A 100-year-old woman is setting her sights on celebrating more major milestones after revealing she is feeling healthier than ever. 

Regular trips to the cinema and the theatre are helping to keep Alice Coulter young, and the Benfleet woman has now vowed to “plan for 200th birthday”. 

Ms Coulter moved to Benfleet from North London in 1994 and has lived there for 28 years.

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At the age of 16, she met her late husband Jack Coulter, and after marrying in 1942, they spent a further 69 years together.

The pair never had children, but just spent life enjoying their time together, with one of their favourite things being a trip to the pictures or theatre.

For her landmark birthday, she enjoyed a week of celebrations, which included lunch at The White Hart with her friends, as well as lunch at the Benfleet Yacht Club with the mayor and mayoress.

Alice said has loved celebrating her 100 years.

She said: “I am astounded to have reached 100, and I can’t really believe I am this age.

“I am well, and fairly fit, too!

“I don’t actually have a secret to a long life, but to just enjoy every day.

“My dream for the future is to continue to wake up every morning and start planning for my 200th birthday.

“I have really enjoyed a week of celebrations, and I would like to say thank you to everyone for organising such a wonderful birthday.”

Alice, and her late husband Jack, both belonged at Benfleet Yacht Club for more than 50 years, where they kept their boat “Janda”, and enjoyed many adventures on the water.

After turning 100, Alice received a special card from King Charles, and Queen Consort, Camilla.

Alice said: “I was so delighted to receive the card; it was the first 100 card I had in the post.

“I will treasure it forever.”

Melanie Graham, 56, has been neighbour to Alice for 26 years, and says they have celebrated her birthday together for the past ten years.

She said: “Alice has always been a delight to live next door too. She is a lovely, kind, thoughtful lady.

“It is only recently during the pandemic that we have stepped into doing her shopping.

“But I enjoy talking to her so much, and as neighbours we have celebrated her birthday with an afternoon tea for the past ten years.

“It is so lovely to spend time with Alice.”