"DRINK plenty of water and walk tall" – that's the secret to a long and happy life, according to 100-year-old Isabel Milbourne.

The Ferndown resident celebrated her landmark birthday with family and friends at a party hosted by her daughter Shelagh, and the team at Care UK's Ferndown Manor on Golf Links Road, where she lives.

Isabel was born on November 5 1919, in Buckie, on the coast of Scotland, where she lived until she relocated to Lincolnshire during the war, to work as a registered nurse. It was here she met her husband, Dr Alan Milbourne.

After the war ended, Isabel and Alan moved to Leigh-on-Sea, near Southend, and had two daughters, Shelagh and Anthea. She was sadly widowed in 1984 and she has six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as her two daughters. She is also a keen golfer and follows the sport closely.

Robin Hill, customer relations manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “We love to celebrate all residents here at Ferndown Manor, especially on their birthdays, so it was terrific to be able to commemorate an occasion as special as Isabel’s 100th birthday.

“It was so fantastic to see Isabel enjoying this incredible milestone with her family and friends at Ferndown Manor. She is quite a character, and has built lovely friendships with residents and the team since moving here in August this year, so it was wonderful to raise a glass to her on this special occasion.”