A TOT of ginger wine and an open heart are the secret to reaching 100 years old according a west Reading woman.

Phyllis Williams was surrounded by friends, family and fellow neighbours at the Liebenrood Road sheltered housing complex as she celebrated her personal centenary.

The crowd of well-wishers spent Friday sharing food and memories as Miss Williams welcomed the landmark celebration.

Susan Tull, sheltered housing officer at the site, said the birthday girl was “overwhelmed” by the day but thoroughly enjoyed herself.

She said: “It was a great day — everybody enjoyed themselves and all her family were there.

“Phyllis is such an active person here, we have a social room and she comes to all our activities.

“She really enjoys living there and could not be happier.”

After 15 happy years at the site, Phyllis has made many friends over the years with some being invited to a second party on the Sunday.

As the party’s guests shared the birthday cake the inevitable question about the secret of a long life came out.

Ms Tull said: “We asked if the secret was because she never married or had children and she joked and said ‘no’ holding up her bottle of ginger wine and said: ‘It’s this!’”

Enjoying a birthday tipple of the wine with a drop of port the 100-year-old was thrilled to receive the traditional written greeting from The Queen.

Phyllis was also joined by Mayor of Reading Cllr Tony Jones on her special day as he joined in with proceedings.

Cllr Jones said: “It was a delight to meet Phyllis and to hear her tales of growing up in Coley and working in the Huntley and Palmer’s biscuit factory.

“Phyllis told me that the secret of a long life was to take the occasional drop of port and ginger — so maybe I will give it a try.”