Centenarians celebrate their life longevity

Residents have travelled from across the region to celebrate

They have been around for a century or more and now 16 residents at dementia care homes across East Yorkshire are celebrating their combined age of 1,629.

Staff at the HICA Group of care homes, who have a dedicated club for their centenarian residents, organised a party in Cottingham to celebrate reaching the grand old age of 100.

Irene Heffernan, a director at HICA Group, said: "We launched the 100 club last year because each year on there will be more of our residents that become a hundred and we need to celebrate their lives.

"When you reach the ripe old age of a hundred then it's something to really, really celebrate and it's a tremendous achievement."

So what is the recipe to live to 100?

Harold Warmby from Bridlington said the secret to his long life came from his days as a rambler and cyclist.

Daisy Borrill: "Don't give up - that's my advice."

"I've lived a very active life and I think it's that, that's kept me going today," said Harold.

The centenarian has lived at the HICA Group's care home in Bridlington for the last six years and said their schedule of activities has kept his mind occupied:

"We [residents] get together for the quizzes and talks, which I enjoy. They're very good because you can talk about your life in the past: my cycling and walking days for instance."

Resident Daisy Borrill from Grimsby has enjoyed a life of ballroom dancing, dress-making and being surrounded by her family.

"I've had a good and healthy life. I enjoy looking after my great-grandchildren and still entertaining them, they all come to see me. I enjoy spending time with them."

Dressed in a red glitzy frock and leopard faux fur coat, 103-year-old Daisy has still got what it takes to party:

"Everybody tells me that I look glamorous in my outfit. I can't believe that at 103, but there you are, that's life. You've got to try. Don't give up - that's my advice."