Round globe celebrations for Torquay 100-year-old Beryl

Beryl's secret to 100 years - happy family, healthy lifestyle and a glass of sherry

Beryl Adams has celebrated her 100th birthday thanks to a happy family, healthy lifestyle - and the odd glass of sherry.

Celebrations were a bit unusual for someone of her Beryl's generation as friends and family from across the globe gathered to mark the extra-special occasion, without leaving their homes or travelling an inch.

For it was a 'Happy Hundredth' for Beryl via a website zoom call thanks to the current restrictions.

Relatives from far and wide wished her a happy birthday and she was thrilled to see them and to take part.

Her nieces and their families in Canada joined in with the virtual celebrations as well as her sister in law and other relatives in Bushey and London.

Beryl, was so proud and delighted to receive a card from The Queen to celebrate her golden milestone.

She was born on August 4, 1920 in Bushey, Hertfordshire, to Edmund and Mary, the second eldest and last remaining of four siblings.

She started her working career as a nurse at Bushey Maternity and Edgware hospitals before spending many years running a gas showroom in London. She latterly worked in the civil service.

During the war, she was evacuated to Torquay, and on returning met and married her husband Ralph who sadly died in 1975.

They had a daughter, Elizabeth, who married the late, well-known and hugely respected Torquay Boys' Grammar School teacher and sportsman Chris Penford, which is why in 1998 Beryl took the decision to return to Torquay to be near her family. Beryl has three grandchildren; Laura, Katie and Hannah.

She still lives in Torquay today.

She is a regular member of the congregation at All Saints Church in Babbacombe, where she has many valued friends and enjoys social events when possible.

She says her secret to living to such a ripe old age is having a happy family and a healthy lifestyle.

She says work keeps you fit, but it is important to eat well with plenty of vegetables and that small glass of sherry!