The birthday girl celebrated her century at the residential home where she lives in Victoria Road in Rushden.

It is the third home she has had in the town. From 1903 to 1906 Miss Perkins lived in Glassbrook Road. She then moved to Moor Road, where she lived most of her life.

Miss Perkins said: "I don't feel any different today.

"I've lived an ordinary life but I've never drunk alcohol and I've never smoked."

Miss Perkins went to Hayway School until she was 13 and then worked in the shoe trade.

She made heels for shoes a factory in Park Road and then moved on to do a similar job for shoe components maker John Cave in College Street.

Miss Perkins is also a lifelong member of Park Road Methodist Church and was a member of the townswomen's guild.

Her hobbies included knitting and embroidery, while reading is now a favourite pastime - especially remance novels.

Miss Perkins said: "I've been very fortunate, I haven't had any serious illnesses and I've had a good life."