Many residents of our town have recently turned a century old, and this woman is no exception having just seen in her staggering one hundredth year.

A Shinfield resident and World War Two veteran recently celebrated her 101st birthday and has revealed her top tips for a long and happy life.

Gladys Morris, who likes to be known as Florrie, celebrated her 101st birthday at Care UK’s Parsons Grange on Westall Street surrounded by family and friends.

Florrie, who moved to Parsons Grange in September 2022, was born in Uxbridge on November 22 1922 and grew up on a farm with her nan and grandfather.

While celebrating her birthday she shared her top tips for living a long and happy life, including light exercise every day, gardening, and bike riding.

She also gives special credit to eating a prune a day as part of her diet.

Florrie had a career printing books and even ran a pub completely by herself for a short time.

During World War Two, she worked at the Atomic Weapons Establishment where she was senior to her husband.

Florrie met her husband, Abel, on a blind date set up by her uncle. The pair were married shortly before the Second World War broke out.

Abel served in the Royal Army Medical Corp and was lucky enough to escape Dunkirk on the final ship that departed, before serving in North Africa.

The couple loved to travel together and Florrie is proud to say that she has visited every European country, either by cruise or in her camper van, with Venice in Italy being a firm favourite.

Home Manager at Parsons Grange Rozina Ali said: “Florrie is a remarkable lady who is very well travelled and everyone at the home loves listening to stories about the trips she’s been on, as well as her interesting careers.

“Florrie has made many friends here, and we love to make a big occasion of birthdays so what better way to celebrate than with a homemade cake, and a party!

“It was fantastic to come together and celebrate such a wonderful milestone, and I would like to thank the team for organising such a special day for Florrie.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Parsons Grange care home has been designed with residents in mind.

The home has plenty of space for leisure and hobby activities as well as a café, hair salon, bar and a cinema for residents to enjoy.