LORNA Gobey smokes like a chimney and drinks like a fish – but it has not stopped her reaching her century.

The great-great-grandmother, who lives in St Peter's, Cheltenham, celebrated with a surprise party at the town's Labour Club with more than 50 family and friends.

And she marked the occasion by singing, dancing, knocking back her favourite tipple and slipping out of the back door for a smoke when no one was looking.

Far from hindering her reaching the milestone, she says her party-loving lifestyle is the secret of her longevity.

"I've always tried to enjoy life," Mrs Gobey said. "I think it's important to do the things you want to do and not to let things get you down.

"I like my smokes, a drop of whiskey and Guinness and I still love to play skittles. Perhaps it's part of the reason I have lived for so long.

"I never thought I'd make it to 100, but I have. I'm quite amazed really."

Born in Apperly near Tewkesbury in 1910, Mrs Gobey moved to Cheltenham when she was eight years old and has lived in the town ever since.

After attending school at Roman Road in Rowanfield, she went on to work in a variety of jobs, including a cleaner, a cook and an attendant at the Goldmont cinema – later renamed the Odeon.

She lived through two world wars, three husbands and countless governments, and carried on riding a motorcycle until she was well into her 70s.

Mrs Gobey, who has 27 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren, shows no signs of stopping.

"I'm going to carry on for as long as I can," she said. "I'm captain of my skittles team and I want to continue playing.

"My lifestyle hasn't done me any harm so far. You could say I haven't followed the rule book, but I'm not about to change now."

Her son Bob Fisher, 66, said: "She smokes faster than the rest of us and still loves a drink. She loves bingo, playing a tune on the mouth organ and riding around town in cars."

Daughter Rose O'Doherty, 74, added: "Mum took up smoking after we had grown up. She brought all of us children up well and never smoked in front of us when we were little."