Marjorie Forster celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday with a large group of friends and family.

Mrs. Forster, who stays at the Westmeath Home, put her longevity down to having a sense of humour.

"I try to look at the bright side — I am always optimistic," she said.

She came to Bermuda in 1994 to be near her son Tony Forster and her daughter Jill Butterfield.

Mrs. Forster still swims regularly at her daughter's pool but quipped: "I swim about as slowly as I walk but I still enjoy it."

And she first tried paragliding in her 80s.

Her husband Cyril flew 55 bombing missions in Lancaster during the war while Marjorie drove an ambulance.

Enjoying her birthday lunch at Ascots, she said: "I have always had wonderful, wonderful friends.

"I am spoiled — really looked after so well."