Doris from Bedford reveals secret to long life as she celebrates 100th birthday

So what's the secret to living to 100?

Well, according to Doris Potter, it's taking life as it comes, good or bad, keeping busy and enjoying a drink.

And who are we to argue as Doris celebrated her big day at The Willows Nursing Home, in Shakespeare Road today (Tuesday, September 1).

Home manager Cyril Fomonyuy said: “Doris has lived at The Willows since 2006. She is a cheerful and very sociable lady and likes to be independent.”

Sharing her birthday at a surprise party at the Bedford home were her daughter Patricia, staff and fellow residents.

Born in south London, Doris was one of two siblings.

Her sister Joyce, who died in 2003, ran The Bedford Arms in Kempston with her husband Frank.

Doris met her husband Harold Potter while they were both working for Handley Page, the aircraft manufacturer based at Cricklewood Aerodrome, which ceased to exist in 1970.

At various times they lived in north London, Essex and Suffolk before moving to Bedford in 1984.

The couple had two daughters, Barbara, who died four years ago and Patricia.

Patricia said: “My mother did not have any particular hobbies, but liked gardening, cooking and reading and both she and Harold loved camping.”