A GOOD cup of tea is the secret to a long life, according to Olive Longley who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

The centenarian was surrounded by flowers, including bouquets of her favourite roses, balloons and cupcakes as some of her family joined her at Fitzwarren House care home to celebrate the milestone.

Olive also received a card from the Queen, as well as a telegram from Damian Green, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

All this week the celebrations will continue as more of her family and friends visit.

“It’s amazing for her to reach this milestone,” said nephew Peter Waters, who lives near Stratford-upon-Avon with wife Jane.

“She has got a very strong Christian faith and has always been a Methodist. The chaplain here says it’s the Methodist’s tea that keeps her going.”

Olive, nee Waters, was born on November 10, 1916 in the flat above her grandfather Ernest and father Arthur’s business E.C. Waters and Son based in Chislehurst, Kent.

The shop was a stationers, bookseller and printers, which after 100 years of being in business closed in the 1980s and is now a pizza restaurant.

But Olive has fond memories working there with her four siblings and mum Clara. However the gifted piano player does not miss getting up very early in the morning to sort out the newspapers.

She met her husband Frank whilst serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War. She was widowed many years ago and her daughter Anne also died following a long illness but she is supported by her loving nieces and nephews and their children.

Peter added: “She’s got a very strong character and has had lots of ups and downs in her life. She’s been very brave looking after her husband and daughter.

“Olive has retained her strong faith and great sense of humour. There is a tradition of wit in the family with her father.

“She thought it was quite hard to believe it was her 100th coming up. She is now part of an exclusive club.”

Fitzwarren House care assistant Karly Green, who is taking Olive shopping today to see the Christmas decorations and have cake and a cup of tea, said: “She is brilliant. She is really chatty and always happy. She’s such a lovely lady.

“It’s been really busy with her birthday celebrations but as long as she has a smile on her face that is all that matters and we have been going above and beyond for her.

“Olive is one of a kind.”