A LOCAL pensioner who recently celebrated her 103rd birthday has revealed the secret to a long life - being happy, and lots of drinking and smoking!

Vera Vaughan said she had always done what she wanted.

“It’s hard to explain but I think the secret is a lot of rest,” she said.

“And I still smoke too and enjoy a glass of whisky most days. It keeps me in good spirits which is always important!”

The Llandough resident marked the momentous milestone, which she reached on July 17, with a special party at Rondel House Day Care Centre in Barry.

“She had a lovely time,” said carer Sue Jones. “There were flowers, balloons, a fancy cake, and the mayor of Barry popped in to wish her well - she had his chain on and everything, like the queen she is.”

The lively pensioner said she had lived a long and full life, having married three times.

“It would have been four but he got away at the last minute,” she said.

“I could always get a man. But there’s not enough around these days!

“I love to dance too and love coming to Rondel House to see the staff and all the other people here.

“I’m very well looked after and have a lovely family.”

Senior care officer at Gardenhurst Jude Hiles said Mrs Vaughan, who attends Rondel House once a week, and previously attended Gardenhurst for more than ten years before it closed, kept them all on their toes.

”She’s good as gold,” she said. “And has been since day one.

“She’s got a great sense of humour too - some of the tales she could tell would shock I am sure!”