A CARE home resident has said “keeping healthy” and “not doing anything drastic” is the secret to a long life as she marked another milestone birthday.

Edna Doreen Wilson, a resident at Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home, celebrated her 102nd birthday there with with a party.

Edna was born and grew up in Kent, before she met late husband Keith, and went on to have two children, a daughter Marilyn and late son Keith.

Edna has four grandsons, David, Richard, Elliot and Thomas, who she enjoys spending quality time with.

Formerly a nanny, Edna has always loved singing, dancing and talking to her friends.

At Hatfield Peverel, she continues to take part in activities such as bingo, singing and chatting with close friends.

Activity co-ordinator Cristina Matei organised a surprise party for Edna’s birthday, complete with all her favourite things, including a singer performing her favourite 1940s and 50s songs, tea, cakes and her favourite tipple, a glass of bubbly.

The afternoon was topped off with Edna’s favourite fruit cake with butter cream and cherries.

Edna said: “I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday. I had lots of fun at the party with my family and friends.

“My advice for a long and happy life is to carry on, keep healthy and don’t do anything drastic.

“Most importantly, take every day as it comes and live each day in the best way you can.”

Care home manager Muhammed Neeliyath said: “We had a wonderful time celebrating Edna’s birthday with her.

"The singer was fantastic and it was lovely to see all of the residents having such a fabulous time.

"Celebrating milestone occasions for our residents is incredibly important to us at Hatfield Peverel. It really brings such joy to everybody at the home.”