A 93 year old resident at Brookfield Care Home in Nab Wood, Shipley has stunned everyone at the home with her ability to complete all of its jigsaw puzzles in a matter of months.

Irene Askew, who is originally from Leeds, moved to Brookfield from a care home in Leeds two years ago, following a long hospital admission.

She had been classed as needing palliative care but the care team soon realised that, despite her frailty, Irene was keen to undertake mental challenges.

Her latest accomplishment is a 500 piece puzzle, 'a day at the seaside', which she single-handedly completed in just under two weeks.

She said: “It’s the challenge of a puzzle that appeals to me and I find it quite relaxing too. Everyone has made a real fuss about my latest puzzle and I feel proud to have had it framed. I can’t wait for the next one, which will be even bigger and better.”

Mrs Askew, born in 1926, had two brothers and sisters and was married to her husband George for seven years.

She used to work as an office clerk for Montegue Burtons tailoring company. In retirement she became a member of a local walking group, enjoyed gardening and volunteered at Older People At Leisure (OPAL).

She moved to Brookfield to be closer to her niece and nephew.

Tracey Hinchliffe, who is the registered manager at Brookfield Care Home, explained: “We knew that Irene was keen on puzzles and that she took great enjoyment in completing a jigsaw, but she soon made her way through our entire stock of puzzles we had at the home, so we’ve now bought a range of larger more complicated ones for her and other residents.

“We couldn’t believe how quickly Irene completed them.

"We have all been so impressed, and many of her friends in our home have asked me to give Irene their puzzles to complete as she is so speedy. Irene is also a keen Sudoku and word search enthusiast and we make sure she has plenty of those books to keep her entertained too.”