A WOMAN who spent much of her life working as a fashion model around the world has celebrated her 100th birthday in Dorchester.

Daphne Mann, who lives at Somerleigh Court, went out for a special lunch attended by family and friends to celebrate the milestone.

The centenarian, who moved to Dorset three years ago, said: “I feel rather proud to have achieved it because I haven’t had such an easy life always.”

Daphne was born on September 27, 1915, in India. She was one of two children but soon found herself back in England.

She grew up to become a fashion model, modelling for the likes of Bonwit Teller in New York. From Italy to the Isle of Wight, Daphne said the job took her all over the world.

She said: “I enjoyed it because the girls were so pleasant. I must have been quite nice looking because I wouldn’t have got the job.”

In August 1940, Daphne married John Mann at a ceremony in New York. They came to meet through Daphne’s mother, who knew John’s parents.

She said: “I couldn’t get to the States and he couldn’t get to England at the time.

“I managed to get a special passport because I was born in India so I went to New York.”

Discussing her husband, Daphne said: “He was the best husband anyone could have. He was angelic, a wonderful husband.”

Daphne and John went on to have three children together called Jeffrey, Richard and Ian.

John sadly passed away a few years ago but the couple were still able to enjoy more than 70 years of marriage together.

She added: “When (John) asked me to marry him, that was the loveliest time.”

Daphne is one of a number of residents at Somerleigh Court who takes part in a weekly session of Chi Kung, a Tai Chi exercise discipline. Describing the sessions, she said: “They are excellent.

"They couldn’t be better and it’s (led by) a very good teacher. I recommend him thoroughly.”

Asked about the secret of a long lasting life, Daphne said: “It’s walking, exercising, using your muscles, reading the newspapers and listening to the news – being stimulated, really. It keeps you going.”