A woman from Stowmarket who turned 100 this month has shared her story of war, marriage, and the secret to long life.

Lilian Harvey, who reached the milestone on February 11, recalled her delight at receiving a card from the Queen and spending time with family in Suffolk and Devon.

After celebrating the big day with her daughter at her home in Stowmarket, where she has lived for over 80 years, Mrs Harvey set off on a seven-hour coach trip to Devon to visit her other daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“I had a brilliant birthday,” she said.

“I am not 100% but I have managed to make it to the children. I said I wanted to and that is probably the last time I will do it.”

Having started her career working as a welder in a factory during the Second World War, Mrs Harvey went on to work in the fire service alongside her late husband Lesley, and later in a paper shop.

She was married to Lesley for 48 years, and they had two children, four grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren together.

When asked to reveal her secret to long life, Mrs Harvey said it was simple: “Look after yourself, keep socialising – and carry on.

“I often go out to lunch to see my friends – I just keep going while I can. I can’t sit in my four walls alone.”