'Diet' behind centenarian's life

Florence Allenet celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family

A good diet and hard work has been attributed to a Jersey woman reaching 100 years of age.

Florence Allenet was born in 1909, the year the flight pioneer Louis Bleriot first flew across the English Channel.

"I think she's amazing, I wont get to 100, I know," said Florence's daughter Val Deverill.

The landmark birthday was celebrated at Jersey's Glanville Home with a visit by the island's Lieutenant Governor, Andrew Ridgeway.

Mr Ridgeway said: "I bring greetings from Her Majesty, and wish Her Majesty's best wishes to the 100th birthday girl today.

1909 FACTS Florence Allenet was born Flight pioneer Louis Bleriot first flew across the Channel The North Pole was reportedly reached by American explorers Peary and Henson Max Wolf rediscovered Halley's comet

He told BBC Jersey: "It's always a great pleasure to come on these very special occasions, when someone's reached the amazing age of 100."

It was the first 100th birthday party at the St Saviour home, where Mrs Allenet has lived for eight years, this century.

Mrs Deverill described her mother as having a hard life and working extremely hard.

She said her mother is a happy person but living so long was not always a bonus: "She does get her moments when she says, 'I've lived long enough, I'm tired, you know, I want to go,' but she knows there's no choice over it.

"You just have to wait your time but most of the time, she's very happy and singing.

"She's always enjoyed her food, a good diet and she's always looked forward to meals and going out eating - I think that's at the bottom of it all.

"She's been to church, a practicing Christian all her life and that's probably helped."