A great grandmother who was celebrating her 100th birthday today said there was no secret to a long life – and that people should just enjoy it.

Maisie Morris who lives at the Cherwood House care home, near Bicester, was inundated with cards and birthday wishes, including a telegram from the Queen, and greetings from the Government’s Pensions Secretary James Purnell and Tony Crabbe, the chairman of Oxfordshire County Council.

Originally from Gloucestershire, Mrs Morris went into service aged 14 and worked her way up from a scullery maid to a cook.

She married her husband William in 1932 and the couple had three daughters.

Mr Morris died in 1989, and 10 years later Mrs Morris moved to Bicester to be near daughter Susan Howkins.

The grandmother of six and great-grandmother of nine, whose favourite tipple is a brandy and lemonade, celebrated with a birthday lunch with her family.

She said: “I have always enjoyed myself, and tried everything going. I enjoy life.”