KEEPING busy is the key to a long life if Annie Boynton's experience is anything to go by.

Ms Boynton, who has just celebrated her 100th birthday, has always enjoyed keeping busy and still clears the table and washes up at Kiltondale Residential Home, where she has lived for the past 18 months.

Her niece Marjorie Taylor said: "She's one of those people who's always been busy. She been saying she'll retire when she reaches 100, but I'm not so sure."

Ms Boynton was born in Mill Street, Middlesbrough, but has moved at least 13 times.

The home's manager, Denise Liddell, said: "Annie's our oldest resident, still very active and a lovely lady. We hope she enjoyed a very special day."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Mayor Madge Moses wished Ms Boynton happy birthday at a party at the home, when Ms Boynton gave pride of place to her birthday card from the Queen.

Mrs Taylor said: "She's been looking forward to getting the card more than anything."