A 100-YEAR-OLD Hagley woman has celebrated her birthday by sharing her top tips for a long and happy life.

Kidderminster care home resident Mary Myring was born in Hagley on Peace Day, 1919, when the country celebrated the end of the First World War, and received a telegram from the Queen to mark her 100th birthday on July 19.

To celebrate the milestone, Mary has revealed her secret to living to such an impressive age - spending as much time as possible outdoors and not worrying about the things she can't control.

Referring to herself as a bit of a tomboy, Mary loved climbing trees as a child, and spent most of her spare time in the great outdoors, scrumping for apples, going on picnics and sliding down icy street pavements.

Stourbridge News:

On her special day, nature-lover Mary was treated to a trip to Bodenham Arboretum with family, friends and fellow residents.

The Brook Court care home team then hosted an afternoon tea party, with musical entertainment and a special screening of Mary's highlights in the home's cinema.

Mary had two sons, John and Clive, with husband Howard and spent her working life as a typist and secretary.

Stourbridge News:

She continues to make the most of the outdoors at her home at Brook Court, in Oldnall Road, but also enjoys poetry and crosswords and sings in the home's choir.

Brook Court manager Gill Pratt said: "Residents are at the heart of everything we do here at Brook Court, and we always like to throw a party for special celebrations – and Mary’s 100th birthday was no exception.-

“It’s fantastic to see Mary celebrating this incredible milestone with her family and friends at Brook Court.

"She is a very happy, sociable person, and has built lovely friendships with residents and the team since moving here in 2014, so it was wonderful to raise a glass to her on this special day.