A telephone call from her niece in Australia kicked off the celebrations for Brenda Stockwell’s 104th birthday.

Miss Stockwell, who has lived at the Bristowe retirement apartments in Southbourne for 24 years, marked the impressive milestone by inviting friends for dinner.

Born in north Lancashire, Miss Stockwell moved to Cambridge before following her parents to Bournemouth in 1938.

“I decided to come here to look after them and have been here ever since” she said.

“During the war I was a civil servant in the post office and spent some time in London and Harrogate but always returned to Bournemouth.”

Her birthday celebrations also involved a huge chocolate cake from staff at the apartments, who all turned up to sing Happy Birthday in the morning.

“I have had a lovely celebration with lots of cards and flowers” she added.

“I feel like I am one of the family at Bristowe because I have been here for so long and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.”

Miss Stockwell believes she had reached the grand old age of 104 because she does not drink alcohol or smoke, takes regular exercise and eats a healthy diet.

“I’ve also been taking seaweed tablets every day for about 30 years and I’m sure they have helped me to stay healthy” she added.