A great-grandmother from Chislehurst has just celebrated her 100th birthday.

The resident at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court was surrounded by forty of her family members as they wished her many happy returns.

Annie Hardy enjoyed a party at the Home and was also thrilled to receive an official birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Annie was born on June 16, 1919, just a few months after the end of the First World War and was one of seven children brought up in a small two-up, two-down terraced house on Ainsty Street in Rotherhithe.

The great grandmother said that her secret to having a long life is simply: “being happy" and when asked if she had any advice for young generations, Annie added: “Work hard at school and then you will get a good job.”

Annie worked as a bookbinder for McCorquodales, which was once one of the UK’s largest printing companies.

She later moved to Hampshire and supported the war effort by working in a munition’s factory.

Annie married and had two children Susan and Graham. After being widowed Annie married again. Her second husband John had a son, also called John.

Annie now has six grandchildren and six great grandchildren and said she is astounded by the changes the world has seen during her lifetime, especially technological advances.

Among her memorable moments in life was flying on supersonic passenger airliner Concorde.

Sue Goodrich, Activities Coordinator at RMBI Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, said: “It was a privilege to celebrate Annie’s 100th birthday at our home. She says that she cannot believe she is 100 years old. In fact, when she opened her card from the Queen, she exclaimed “bloody cheek!” Needless to say, she was only joking and was delighted to receive it.”