World's oldest person dies at 116

An American woman officially recognised as the world's oldest person has died at the age of 116.

Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bolden died at a nursing home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Born in 1890, she married at 19 and was widowed in the 1950s. She suffered a stroke in 2004 and spoke little after that.

Mrs Bolden had two surviving daughters, and her extended family includes 220 great-great-great grandchildren and 75 great-great-great-great grandchildren.

"She was always very family-oriented. She gave good advice and the family listened. She was a hard worker, and a farmer for most of her life," said her grandson, James Bolden.

Mrs Bolden had 40 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, 150 great-great-grandchildren, 220 great-great-great grandchildren and 75 great-great-great-great grandchildren.

She assumed the title of world's oldest person following the death of Esther de Capovilla of Ecuador in August - also at the age of 116.

Her successor looks set to be Emiliano Mercado del Toro of Puerto Rico, who is 115, according to Robert Young, adviser to Guinness World Records.