A sprightly grandma who has just celebrated her 100th birthday has revealed that the secret to her long life is her love of gin.
Beatrice Peters celebrated the milestone birthday on Tuesday with a drop of her favourite tipple and a telegram from King Charles III.
The former seamstress has lived through 21 prime ministers, five monarchs and survived a world war and a global pandemic.
Surrounded by her family and wearing a birthday badge and a tiara, she said the secret to living a long life is a regular refreshing gin and tonic.
She said: "I think it's gin – I like gin, but only if there is something with it."
Beatrice, a mother-of-two, said she loved holidays to Ireland and going to Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria with her late husband Vincent, who died in 1991.
And while she said she "doesn't feel any different" at turning 100, she said a birthday party thrown by care home staff in Preston, Lancashire, was a "lovely surprise".
Beatrice, originally from Blackpool, said: "I don't feel any different.
"My bones aren't creaking yet. It's a lovely surprise having all this done for me.
"They've made such a lovely, grand party for me."
Alison Walker, manager of The Old Vicarage care home where Beatrice lives, described the pensioner as a "remarkable lady" who has a "lovely smile".
She said: "She is a remarkable lady who has lived through many decades and still manages to tell a tale or two.
"She has a good sense of humour, likes to listen to music and has a lovely smile.
"She is fond of Ireland and likes to talk about it."
Care assistant Doreen Miller, 47, came into the care home on her day off to celebrate Beatrice's birthday as the pair have "become friends".
She said: "She is so funny and we have become friends.
"I am so proud to be involved in this momentous occasion.
"She is part of my family now."
