A WOMAN who celebrated her 101st birthday said the secret to a long life could be being active.

Irene Hall, of Capel Terrance, Southend, has enjoyed various celebrations with her large family to mark reaching the milestone.

She said: “I was pretty active until my 80s but don’t have much use of my legs these days.

“My daughter, Celia does my shopping and cooks meals for me which I heat up in the microwave.

“I am still living on my own but I do have a carer who comes in.

“I have lived in this area for about 60 or 70 years now, and I used to know everyone living here but now I only know one person.”

She is proud to have two grandchildren and five great grandchildren.