Mexican woman becomes world's 'oldest person' - but lost her only proof 40 years ago

(Telegraph) - She was 27 when World War One erupted, 75 when John F. Kennedy was shot and nearly 100 when the Berlin Wall came down.

Now Leandra Becerra Lumbreras is celebrating her latest milestone – becoming the oldest person who has ever lived.

According to relatives and friends, the chocolate-loving Mexican marks her 127th birthday today.

But there will not be any visits from officials at the Guinness Book of Records – she lost her birth certificate while moving house 40 years ago.

Supposedly born on August 31, 1887 – the year Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee – she has attributed her long life to eating well, snacking on chocolate, sleeping for days on end and never getting married, according to her family.