Staines pensioner celebrates 110th birthday

Thought to be one of the oldest people in the country, Mrs Watson missed living in three centuries by one day, but has lived through two world wars, six monarchs, and 21 prime ministers.

Giving tips on the secrets of longevity, she said: "I've never smoked and rarely drunk alcohol apart from a sherry at Christmas and on birthdays. I've always eaten healthy food but the most important thing is laughter and having a good sense of humour."

Mrs Watson was born in Croydon on January 1 1900 but moved to Staines in 1959 with her second husband Samuel Watson and daughter Audrey, who was conceived with first husband Charlie Hobbs.

The two families bought adjourning semi-detached houses in the town, but shortly afterwards they knocked down the back garden fence so Mrs Watson's two grandchildren Janet and Jonathan could play in a bigger garden.

After four years the two families moved into a bigger house in Ashford so Audrey could look after her mum and step-dad.

The pair lived there for 35 years and in 1974 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, but Mr Watson died a few days later.

Talking about her age Mrs Watson said: "It is wonderful, and if I could live another century I would."

Mrs Watson moved to Meadowside in 1998, where she has a go at exercising, pottery making, singing, and her favourite pastime bingo.

She used to walk down Church Road in Ashford every week for the game at the former cinema.

Shona Bradbury, business manager at the care home said: "She has a go at everything, and what I love about her is her zest for life."

Mrs Watson has one daughter Audrey, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.

In June this year she is expecting another great great grandchild and a great, great, great grandchild.

She has received six letters from the Queen since her 100th birthday.