Eating well and looking after yourself is the key to a long happy life, according one songbird who has celebrated her 100th birthday.

And to mark reaching such a grand old age, singer Doris Cole was lucky enough to be thrown two special birthday parties.

The first was held on her birthday at her home in Sommerville House sheltered housing in Whitton, and was attended by family members on Friday, July 1.

A second party was then held at Homelink Day Respite Care Centre, Whitton, which Mrs Cole has visited since 2006, on Monday, July 4.

Mrs Cole was born in Walthamstow and moved to Richmond after marrying her husband Ed in 1950, who she met when working as a bookkeeper for his butchers shops.

Lorraine Francis, scheme manager at Sommerville House, said: “Doris loves being with other people, and attends various day centres four times a week.

“She participates in all social activities provided and loves a good old sing a long.”

When asked her secret to long life, Mrs Cole said: “Eat well, be happy, look after yourself and life will be good to you.”