BIRTHDAY celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Franklin House care home on The Green, West Drayton, when Daphne Read reached her 100th birthday.

She revealed the secret to living to this impressive age is keeping fit and active – topped off with gin and tonic, and the occasional glass of sherry.

Daphne was born in West London, where she lived for almost 99 years before moving to Franklin House last year.

She worked as a secretary in her younger years and is a keen churchgoer. She still keeps in contact with her Baptist Church friends from Northolt and attends the monthly service at Franklin House.   

A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Daphne religiously watches Wimbledon every year. In her spare time, she also enjoys baking. She has a son and one granddaughter.

To celebrate, Franklin House invited the Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr David Yarrow, as well as Daphne’s family and friends for a birthday bash.

Home manager Mathew V Mathew said: “Daphne been a fantastic addition to the Franklin House family since she moved in last year.”