BURY'S Amy Hulmes could be usurped as the world's oldest living person at the age of 113.

Although the distinction was bestowed on Amy by the Guinness Book of World Records only this week, an American woman is already staking her claim to the incredible achievement.

And it could be just a matter of weeks before Guinness researchers acknowledge Maud Ferris-Luse has snatched the record away from Amy.

Extensive research undertaken by the Bury Times has revealed that the American woman was born on January 21, 1887 and nearly nine months before Amy.

In fact, the Bury woman could be pushed down to third place in the age table. Our research shows Kamato Hongo of Japan was apparently born on September 16, 1887, and could lay claim to be the world's second oldest living person.

Amy, who lives in the Chestnut Court residential home, was recognised by Guinness in March as Britain's oldest living person. And this week they recognised her as the world's oldest following the death on June 6 of French woman Marie Bremont at the ripe old age of 115 years and 42 days.

But yesterday, Guinness Book of World Records researcher Louise Whetter told the Bury Times that it was "more than likely" Maud Ferris-Luse would ultimately take over Amy's accolade.

"Amy has been named as the world's oldest living person until we get the necessary confirmation details about the American woman," she said.

"Her verification documents are apparently in the post to us and we are waiting to receive them.

"As far as the Japanese woman is concerned, we haven't pursued that claim and don't have any of her documents."

Respected USA age records researcher Robert Young told the Bury Times: "The question now is, does Guinness have the time to find someone else before publication or go ahead and use Marie Bremont for the 2002 edition?

"Mrs Hulmes has the inside track of already being validated, and so has a shot at inclusion if Guinness decide they cannot wait for other cases and don't want to use Bremont, who is already dead.

"Among the scientific community, Maud Ferris-Luse is now believed to hold the title. She was married in 1903 and they have the marriage certificate as well as census records from 1900 and 1920.

"Simply stated, Bremont's death moves Mrs Hulmes back to third place, currently trailing Maud Ferris-Luse and Kamato Hongo of Japan."

He added: "There is still the chance of a 'wild card' entry, a case that has not been brought to the spotlight yet."

Amy, who has two daughters, was born in Walker Terrace, off Rochdale Road, Bury, and spent many years living in Lord Street. She married husband Philip, who died 36 years ago, aged 75.

A former weaver, she lived with her grand-daughter at a family farm at Walmersley for many years. She only became a resident of Chestnut Court when she was 105. Until recent years, she enjoyed remarkably good health.