A GREAT-great grandmother celebrating her 100th birthday has said the secret to a long life is "keeping going, working hard and helping other people".

Elsie Grint was born on June 2 in 1918 and has taken turning 100 into her stride by getting her driving licence extended for three years and ensuring she stays active.

The Hartlepool centenarian said: "I’ve led a busy and colourful life in a lot of ways and I still try to keep myself active even today.

“I do something every day like playing bowls, going to the bingo and doing exercise classes and I can prove I’m fitter than people 30 years younger than me by still being able to touch my toes."

Ms Grint spent her career as a nurse but carried on volunteering with the Red Cross which saw her given a royal appointment to meet Diana, Princess of Wales.

The 100-year-old, who has two children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one new-born great-great-grandchild, lived on Waverley Terrace, in Hartlepool.

For the last 14 years, she has been living in Thirteen group's Bramley Court sheltered housing in the town.

Her birthday coincided with the court officially being opened by the Queen 25 years ago.

She added: “It’s nice living at Bramley Court as I have a lovely garden to look at and the people are very, very friendly."