If Margaret Newman had a motto it would be "If you don't use it, you lose it".

Whether it's armchair aerobics, completing crosswords or living with just an hour-and-a-half of care week, the 100-year-old likes to keep active.

Mrs Newman celebrated her centenary with friends and family yesterday, at Beaufort Court care home in Mangotsfield.

Mrs Newman was born on September 21, 1909, in Brislington, one of eight children.

One of her earliest memories involves queuing in line for rations as a child during World War I.

Her family has mainly lived in the Bristol area, and her father was a gardener in Coalpit Heath.

Mrs Newman went to school at Wick Road Council School, the open air school in Knowle and attended St Cuthbert Church in Wick Road.

She married her late husband Arthur in August 1933 at St Saviours Church, on what she calls the happiest day of her life".

Her husband was an architect, while she worked in service.

Mrs Newman was more than happy to share the secret of her longevity.

She said: "Sleep. I've always wanted, and now I can have, eight hours day.

"My mother never had any trouble getting me to bed when I was a little girl.

"I also enjoy armchair aerobics. If you don't use it, you lose it."

Although she never had any children of her own, two nieces Glen Davis and Jill Perkins came to celebrate her birthday at Mondays surprise party, along with four generations of the family.

Mrs Perkins said: "She is very independent, she still knows her own mind.

"She learned to drive and to swim, she's always the first one on her feet to dance.

"She travelled with her sister to Russia, Italy and France.

"She still takes an interest in politics, I always thought she would have made a great teacher.

"I've never known her to complain about anything."