Centenarian tells of long-life secret

WORK hard and worry lots if you want to have a long life.That's the message from wartime firewarden Jeanie Walker, who is today toasting the success of her 100th birthday party.

WORK hard and worry lots if you want to have a long life.

That's the message from wartime firewarden Jeanie Walker, who is today toasting the success of her 100th birthday party.

Surrounded by five generations of her family, Jeanie spent Saturday evening being the star guest at a special gathering thrown in her honour.

The centenarian, who has one son, five grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren, was congratulated by her friends and family at the Ipswich home of her grandson.

Originally from Dundee in Scotland, Jeanie moved to Suffolk almost 60 years ago, with her husband, John.

A nurse for many years, Jeanie went on to become a fire warden during the war years and then began a spell as a childminder when she arrived in East Anglia.

"I've done everything," she smiled. "I've always been busy and I've done lots with my life.

"It's lovely to have the family around me for my birthday."

Once settled in Ipswich, Jeanie and John bought a bookshop in Bramford Road.

The couple ran the business together for several years before retiring.

"She's incredible," said Jeanie's grandaughter-in-law, Karen Walker.

"She had a double-hip replacement operation when she was 95, and yet she never batted an eyelid. We think she's fantastic – and she really deserved a party."

Jeanie, who received the customary congratulatory card from the Queen, said: "The way to live a long time is to work hard, and worry lots.

"That's what I've always done and I'm sure that's what has kept me going."