HARD work seems to be the way to long life if you take the example of a pensioner who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Annie Boynton 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, explained: "She's one of those people who's always been busy. She still clears the table and washes up.

"She been saying she'll retire when she reaches 100, but I'm not so sure."

Annie was born in Mill Street, Middlesbrough, but has moved at least 13 times since then.

"For 26 years, she lived in the cottage on Saltburn Bank," said Mrs Taylor.

The home's manager Denise Liddell said: "Annie's our oldest resident, still very active and a lovely lady."

She added: "We hope she enjoyed a very special day."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Mayor, Councillor Madge Moses, wished Annie happy birthday at a party at the home yesterday, when Annie hoped to give pride of place to her birthday card from the Queen.

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