A REMARKABLE centenarian told how she believes enjoying 'a wee gin and tonic' helped her reach milestone birthday.

Sprightly Mavis Clark celebrated turning 100 with family and friends at Strathclyde House apartments.

Mavis, who worked in the civil service and the treasury, received her telegram from the Queen and enjoyed a glass of champagne to mark the occasion.

She says being a healthy eater all her life and partaking in her favourite tipple were two of the reasons for her longevity.

Mavis was born in East Ham in London and joined the civil service at the age of 16.

She had her first job in the land registry before going on to become a wireless operator during the Second World War.

Mavis had several jobs and met her future husband John, a former Army captain who went on to become an advertising manager for the Daily Express.

Mavis moved to Scotland in 1948, and ended up working in the DHSS at the welfare office in the south side of Glasgow before setting up home in Skelmorlie over 50 years ago and working in several roles with firms in Greenock.

The couple never had any children and husband John sadly passed away in 1970.

However, nieces from London made it up to Strathclyde House for the 100th celebrations.

Family friend and neighbour for many years Barbara Stewart paid tribute to the birthday girl.

She said: "Mavis is still very careful about what she eats and still likes a wee gin and tonic, a glass of wine or fizz and sometimes even a half lager!

"She loved knitting and sewing but had to give those up because of a deterioration in her eye sight but she still loves puzzles and can often be seen with her trusty magnifying glass to help her read the clues.

"Mavis lived next door to me in Golf Course Road for many years and became part of the family. She will be coming to us for Christmas dinner - it will be the 23rd consecutive year that she has enjoyed the day with us.

"She is like a mother to me and a grandmother to my children. She moved into the street when my daughter was a baby and says moving next door to us was one of the best things that ever happened to her, which is so lovely to hear."

Barbara added: "Mavis is an absolute character. She has stayed at Strathclyde House since 2002 and she is fabulous for her age.

"She can be a real chatterbox and loves talking about all her adventures and good times during those 100 years."