A County Durham great-grandma has revealed her secrets to a long life as she turned 103 years old.

Mary Molly Routledge, known as Molly, puts her impressive age down to having a “wonderful husband and family”, and says a skin-care routine keeps her looking young.

She says “Pond’s Cold Cream and a daily apple cider vinegar and honey regimen” have helped keep her skin youthful.

Molly, who lives at Church View care home in Seaham, said: “My mam introduced Pond’s Cold Cream to me when I was a little girl. When I was about five years old she told me to apply it every night.”

103-year-old Molly Routledge puts her youthful looks down to Pond's Cold Cream.103-year-old Molly Routledge puts her youthful looks down to Pond's Cold Cream. (Image: PR)

She was born in Dalton-le-Dale on June 29, 1921 before moving to Murton, then London aged 14 to work as a nanny.

While working in a vehicle factory during the Second World War she met next-door neighbour Thomas and fell in love. The pair married and had a son together in 1945.

They then had another son and daughter together, Clifford and June.

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Molly now has seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A keen knitter and crocheter, Molly continues to remain active in her day-to-day life. She celebrated her birthday with balloons, banners and being serenaded by a singer.

Care home manager Cheryl Bailey said: “It was an honour to celebrate Molly’s birthday with her. She is a beloved resident at Church view, and we all had a wonderful time celebrating this tremendous milestone.”