Whisky is the century-old secret

It's not conventional medical wisdom – but it comes from someone who should know.

A Bath centenarian says the secret to a long life is... whisky for breakfast.

Sarah King, who has just turned 100, puts her good health down to the two teaspoons of whisky she puts in her cup of tea every morning, saying it has kept her feeling young.

The pensioner from Lower Weston spent her big day surrounded by friends and family.

Mrs King was born in Bath in 1909, and attended St Stephen's Church of England Primary School in Lansdown. After her secondary education, she got a job as a kitchen maid. She said the work was hard, and involved long hours, but that she enjoyed it.

When she was 20, she had to leave her job to care for her sick mother.

In 1933, Mrs King married her husband Charles and the couple had their daughter Anne in 1936.

Following the birth the family moved into the house where she has lived ever since. Three years later, Mr King was called up for service with the Royal Engineers and posted abroad. He returned after the war, and started work as a lorry driver, while Mrs King looked after the house.

Her husband died in 1977 and she has continued to live in the same house.

She said she was delighted to receive a card from the Queen.

"It was lovely to get my card from the Queen.

"I had 59 cards, even my doctor sent me one."

Mrs King attends Weston Day Centre every week, where she has a meal and meets up with friends.

She said: "I really enjoy going to the day centre; it is lovely to be able to chat with my friends. After our meal they play bingo, but I can't as my eyesight is not that great. Apart from that I'm as fit as a fiddle."

Friends and family joined her at the centre for a tea party.

The highlight of the day was a large home-made cake, which was big enough for everyone to have a slice.

Graham Clark, who runs the centre, said: "It is an amazing achievement to reach your 100th birthday.

"We had a party for all her friends, with a buffet and a birthday cake.

"On the cake there was three candles in the shape of 100.

"I didn't want to put 100 candles on the cake because of the fire risk."