A GREAT-gran of 99 has become the oldest Brit to survive coronavirus, which her family put down to her love of marmalade sandwiches.

Rita Reynolds fell ill on March 25 and her loved ones were told to expect the worst after she tested positive for the killer bug.

End-of-life sedatives were ordered and she was kept comfortable at Abbeyfield care home in Bramhall, Greater Manchester.

Daughter Cindy Phillips, who visited her daily, maintained a bedside vigil and was told to expect the worst.

But Rita defied the odds to make a full recovery.

Grandson Henry Phillips said of the former Women’s Air Force driver, originally from the Isle of Man: “She’s had a terrible diet her entire life. I don’t think she has ever eaten a vegetable or fruit.

“She lives on marmalade sandwiches and biscuits and that’s probably what got her through it.”

Rita will celebrate her 100th birthday in July.