UPDATE 16.59

TWITTER has today offered its condolences on the death of Ivy Bean, who at 104, was the world’s oldest tweeter.

On its official Twitter the firm wrote: “RIP to the delightful Ivy Bean. Thank you, @ivybean104, for making Twitter a better place in your 104th year.”

She had over 54,000 followers on Twitter including Peter Andre and Bean was also an avid Facebook user, reaching the friend limit of 5,000. But this morning, Ivy passed away at the Hillside Manor home in Barkerend, Bradford, where she had lived for three years.

A message on the centenarian’s twitter this morning said “Hello all of ivys twitter friend by now you will have heard about our daer friend she i cannot explain how we are all feeling here.

“ivy passed away peacefully at 12.08 this morning

“Im sorry it took me so long to tell you but it was a very difficult thing to do (sic)”

Only a few days ago Peter Andre called Ivy to tell her to be strong.

Ashton Kutcher, radio presenter Chris Evans, Callum Best and Sarah Brown, wife of Gordon were all followers of Ivy’s.

Ivy even received a proposal from one follower, but she politely declined.

Earlier this month Ivy was admitted to Bradford Royal Infirmary suffering with jaundice.

Ivy had said she prefered Twitter, because it’s easier than Facebook – it only requires updating.

Ivy was one of eight children. She worked in a mill from the age of 14 before marrying Harold Bean, a soldier. After the Second World War they worked in service for the Lord and Lady Guinness at Greens Norton Hall in Northampton.

Messages of condolence have been posted on Twitter and Facebook.

RIP Ivy Bean