A SPRIGHTLY mother, who says the secret to her longevity is working hard, has celebrated her 101st birthday.

Beryl Temperley, who likes to be called June, celebrated the milestone last Friday at the Dovercourt House care home in Fronks Road.

Residents joined June on her special day, which was complete with a tea party and birthday cake.

June was born in Great Yeldham, north Essex, and married her husband Charles Temperley at the age of 21.

She is a mother to three sons - two of whom sadly died.

Her third son Simon is in his 80s and living in London.

Mrs Temperley moved to Dovercourt more than 20 years agoKaren Thurlow, one of the managers at the home, said June had a great day celebrating with fellow residents, staff and visitors.

“June had a lovely day - she couldn’t understand what all of the fuss was about - she just thought it was another birthday,” she said.

“All of the residents got involved at the tea party.

“She spent the whole day looking back at her life and reminiscing as she used to be a carer about 70 years ago - so she spent most of the day telling staff and residents what she got up to.

“She had lots of visitors and and carers come to visit her from the home she was in before she came to us.

“She’s got a good sense of humour and all of the staff are so jealous of her complexion - she doesn’t look 101.

“She told me that the secret to her long life is always being a hard worker - I can’t stress how much of a lovely lady she is.”