Healthy living and healthy eating has been the key to a long life for a woman celebrating her 100th birthday.

Hilda Merlane was born and attended school in Enfield, North London.

After retirement in 1976, Hilda moved to Cornwall and settled in St John with her close friend Chris Goodall.

After Chris’s death in 2000, Hilda continued living independently at home and did so right up until earlier this year, when she moved into the Old Vicarage Care Home in Antony.

To celebrate her 100th birthday, a party was held at the Old Vicarage, and many friends and well-wishers attended, including mayor of Torpoint John Crago, who made a speech and proposed a toast.