An ex-army worker and centenarian says her secret to living a long life is all down to healthy eating and spreading a little cheer.

Dora Smithson celebrated her 100th birthday this week with family, staff and fellow residents at the care home where she lives in Dartford.

Dora tells her advice to living a long life

The 100-year-old was part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) – the women's branch of the British Army during the Second World War – and completed essential office work.

She said: "That is probably the most outstanding thing I did. It was not too bad but I would not want to go through it again."

She later worked for an oil broker in London doing clerical jobs.

Dora grew up and lived most of her life in Sidcup before moving to the care home, Gardenia House, in Pilgrims Court.

She and husband Colin used to spend a lot of their time walking which is why her legs are now bad, she joked. They also used to go ballroom dancing although Dora says she wasn't very good.

The mum-of-three to David, Clive and Michael has now spilled her secrets to living a long and happy life. She said: "Do not eat too many sweet things and eat a good diet.

"Lead a nice, bright life. Do as much as you can and it's always nice to do a little bit of charity work as well.

"I used to visit people when they were sick and see if I could cheer them up a little bit. I tried. I think it is a good idea to do that, it is quite worthwhile."

Gardenia House is run by national charity Ambient Support which provides care and support for the ageing process, learning disability or mental illness.