A lifelong Epsom resident is celebrating her 100th birthday.

Vera Bristol, of Rosebery's John Gale Court, has become the first member of her sheltered housing scheme to reach 100 since the scheme was rebuilt in 2006.

Mrs Bristol and her family marked the occasion with tea at the Queen's Stand, Epsom Racecourse,and a tea party at Rosebery the following day for friends.

When asked for the secret behind a long life, Mrs Bristol said, "I think that keeping out of trouble has helped me reach 100 years old. Living in Epsom all of my life shows there must be something in the Epsom air that keeps me healthy."

Her nephew, Geoff Porter, 79, added, "Vera has been a Rosebery resident for over 21 years and we are grateful for everything Rosebery has done to support and care for her."

Born in Bramble Walk, Epsom Common in 1911, Mrs Bristol was one of 10 children and at 16 took on the role of surrogate mother to her younger siblings when her mother died.

After her marriage she continued to be a constant source of support to her family.

Mr Porter described his aunt as a warm-hearted woman whose main concern was always for her family: "I remember when I was just seven years old at the start of World War II in 1939."

"All the family were listening to Chamberlain's speech on the wireless in Vera's house in Bramble Walk, when he announced that we were at war."

"With my gas mask left at home, I panicked that I didn't have it with me."

"Vera calmly reassured me and told me I could have hers. That said it all to me - she always put her family first."