Ref. 27800A DAILY glass of blackcurrant squash could be the secret to a long and happy life says a Semington woman who celebrated her 100th birthday on Thursday.

Ellen Hiscocks celebrated the milestone with her family at home and was inundated with flowers and cards, including a customary signed card from the Queen.

Mrs Hickcocks said: "I did not want any fuss about my birthday but I admit that I had a lovely party.

"I have taken a glass of blackcurrant squash to bed every night for years and I am beginning to wonder whether that is the secret to my old age."

Mrs Hiscocks was born in Chilcompton, Somerset, and was one of 12 children. Five of her siblings are still alive, the youngest being 81.

She met husband William while in service near Corsham and the couple were married for 63 years and had two sons, John, 59, and Leslie, 68.

During the Second World War Mrs Hiscocks took in evacuees at the family home in Semington where she still lives with her son John.

She said: "I can clearly remember now how we had to hide in the cupboard under the stairs to avoid the air raids.

"Some of the best days have probably been when I was young. We were a very happy family living in the country."

Son John is a caretaker at County Hall, Trowbridge and still enjoys his mother's home cooking every day.

Mrs Hiscocks said: "I still cook and do all the washing so I keep very busy.'