THE Marchioness of Lansdown was a surprise visitor during Olive Wood's 102nd birthday celebrations on Friday at the Marlborough nursing home where she lives.

The marchioness is president of the Wiltshire Blind Association of which Mrs Wood is a member.

At her 100th birthday two years ago, Mrs Wood was partially sighted because of cataracts. Surgeons have restored the sight in one eye and Mrs Wood is thrilled she can read again.

However, her proudest boast is that she had to wait until she was 99 before she caught chickenpox.

Mrs Wood, who has outlived her husband by 28 years and lost her only son many years ago, said that all of her four sisters and one brother, apart from one, died before they were 60.

Her only living relatives are cousins, nephews and nieces, some of whom visit her at the Marlborough Lodge residential home in London Road where she lives.

She chatted with the marchioness about some of the inventions and progress she has witnessed during her 102 years.

Mrs Wood said there was no secret to her living to be over 100. She said: "My secret, if there is one, is being happy.

"I am glad to live from day to day and I make sure I enjoy it."

Every morning after rising at about 7am for breakfast, Mrs Wood does gentle exercises to keep fit. She admitted, however, that in deference to her age she now does them sitting down.