A former dinner lady who has celebrated her 100th birthday admits she has never had a cup of tea or coffee.

The family of Betty Vosper say a century without cuppas may even have helped the great-grandmother reach the milestone. Betty, who used to serve lunches at Aylesham Primary School, has shunned caffeine her entire life, instead favouring a mug of hot water.

And it appears to have done her the world of good, as she continues to enjoy good health at Broomfield Lodge Care Home in Herne Bay.

Her granddaughter, Marla Richardson, said: “Grandma has never drunk tea or coffee, only ever had hot water. If you want to live to 100, that’s what you have to do.

“She made it her business to go out all the time and she has been lucky with her health – there’s a lot to be said for that, because not everyone is lucky.”

Betty was born in Yorkshire but moved to Kent, aged 24, when her father got a job at the Snowdown Colliery, between Canterbury and Dover.

She has been involved with the Baptist church all her life, and when the Second World War broke out she worked in the NAAFI.

The grandmother-of-six also ran a general store in Nonington, near the colliery, and has lived in Herne Bay for 16 years, moving into a care home last year.

She met husband Harry in 1957.

Marla, of Oxenden Park Drive, said: “Grandma loves the fresh air – she relished that every day.

“She was a member of the Baptist church and made so many friends along the seafront.

“She has lived a charmed life but at the same time worked hard.”

Betty lived in Oakland Court before moving to Broomfield Lodge, in Hunters Forstal Road, last May.

Marla added: “She has always eaten very well. For years, she grew all her own vegetables and made her own bread.”