A CARE home resident who is celebrating her 100th birthday says “being around family and friends” is the secret to a long and happy life.

Kay Smith, who lives at Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court, in Stisted, enjoyed two parties to celebrate the milestone - one with staff and residents and one with friends and family.

She grew up in Maldon and worked in the Voluntary Aid Detachment, a voluntary unit of civilians providing nursing care for military personnel, during the Second World War before moving to Stisted and beginning work as a hairdresser.

Asked if she had any advice for younger generations, Kay said: “I’ve learned to always speak the truth and to be nice to everyone.”

Kay met and married her late husband Reg and the couple adopted daughter Philippa and she now has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She is also a champion golfer and was a member of the Braintree Golf Club for 24 years. In 1998, at the age of 81, won the club’s Tyrell trophy.

Activites boss Dani Lane said: “It was wonderful to celebrate Kay’s 100th birthday. She is a remarkable woman and much loved at our home.

"She told me she felt like the Queen having two birthdays.”