A CENTENARIAN who put the secret of her long life down to lots of fun and a regular tipple, has passed away peacefully at the age of 105.

Born on July 28, 1907 in Watlington Norfolk, Dolly Green (nee Lucas) was the eldest sister of Sybil and Faith who both predeceased her. All those who became acquainted with Dolly knew that she loved to drive, whether on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of a car, having mastered the skill as soon as she was old enough. As a teenager Dolly was the only female motorcycle rider in her town. During the Second World War, she worked as a driver for the famous car company Lagonda, driving military personnel to meetings.

After meeting and marrying Fred, the couple ran several cafes and restaurants until retiring to Bournemouth in the late 1960s. As Fred didn’t drive, Dolly drove them both around in her beloved Ford Anglia which she purchased new in the mid-1960s. The couple travelled widely, mainly to Port- ugal and Cyprus.

Memories flooded back on her 83rd birthday when Dolly, who had not been on a motorbike since her 20s, thoroughly enjoyed a ride on the back of a Kawasaki 1000 motorbike.

Sadly, she was widowed on November 22, 1995 when Fred passed away. Dolly only gave up driving her beloved Ford Anglia at the age of 95.

Paying tribute to her neighbour and friend, Maureen Davis said: “Dolly enjoyed recounting stories of her life. She was full of fun and always joking. She put the secret of her long and happy life down to lots of fun and a regular tipple.

“When her health deteriorated Dolly moved into the Burwood Nursing Home in Broadstone, where she was loved and cared for by the staff, keeping them entertained with her stories.”

Dolly died on November 25 and her funeral service was held at Poole Crematorium on December 7. She is survived by her nephews Raymond and Gary.