Irene Fleming - nicknamed 'The Chicken Whisperer' has celebrated 100th birthday (Image: UGC)

A North East former Land Girl has celebrated her 100th birthday and has given her secret to a long life. Irene Fleming has been given the nickname 'The Chicken Whisperer' at her care home due to her affinity with hens, which began during World War Two while working on a farm.

Her love for the birds was reignited when the Thornaby care home where she lives brought in a batch. She surprised staff when she was able to calm an intake of hens as part of a project to improve the wellbeing of care home residents.

Teesside Live reports that upon arrival, she built an immediate rapport with the birds by chatting to them and calming them when they were flustered – a skill she learned during her time

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