A GREAT-GRAN who credited standing up straight and walking quickly for her longevity has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Joan Martin marked the milestone with a party at the Franciscan Convent Residential Home in Broad Road, Braintree.

Her son Roger Martin said when people ask her how she is she will often reply: ‘I am so glad I’ve still got my legs.’”

He said: “She went to Eastbourne High School where she was always told to stand up straight with a broomstick across her shoulders.

“She always remembered this and has always kept a staight back and until recently was still able to touch her toes.

“Having long legs, many people commented on how fast she walked, even in her Nineties.”

See the current edition of the Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.