Deanne Studd, the creator of Maudie May - a vintage figurine highly sought by toy collectors - is organising a pizza party for her 103rd birthday next week.

Ms Studd led an "active" life as a doll-maker, working at Mayfair Products, a factory in Norfolk, and modelling for Women’s Weekly magazine.

In 1940, at the age of 17, Ms Studd joined the auxiliary territorial service during the Second World War and oversaw sorting uniforms for the officers.

She designed the 'valuable' Maudie May doll for Mayfair Products (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Norma Procter, Ms Studd's niece, said: “My aunt was the youngest of nine and came from a poor family.

"She was determined to leave Horsham St Faith, where she grew up, to get an education.

"After she returned from the war, she moved to London and worked as a model.

"Then, she returned to Norfolk and worked at Mayfair Products.

"Her Maudie May dolls are still selling on eBay for about £50.

Ms Studd with her great niece, Leeanne Constable (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Ms Studd with her daughter (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"Until very recently, she would go to all the live opera streamings at the Norwich Picture House.

"She is more active than I am."

She added that her aunt had organised her own pizza party for her birthday on Thursday, April 23.

Ms Studd had two children called Jeremy and Susanne with her first husband, Samuel Harris, whom she married in 1953. She later married Victor Studd.

She now lives in her own apartment in Eaton.

Ms Studd with her parents (Image: Sonya Duncan)

She designed and created dolls (Image: Sonya Duncan)

She said: "I have always pushed forward and worked.

"I have been very lucky to have lived such a busy life.

"I have around 40 people coming to see me for my birthday.

"The young lady who looks after me is ordering 17 pizzas to celebrate."

© Norwich Evening News