SELF-CONFESSED ‘tough cookie’ Vera Della Bilbe, who has lived through two world wars and travelled the world, has turned 100.

The Faringdon centenarian celebrated the milestone yesterday at Anchor’s Ferendune Court in Ash Close surrounded by friends, family and lots of flowers.

Mrs Bilbe said: “I have had a lovely day. It is much better than I thought it would be. I have had lots of cards and people come to see me.”

On reaching 100, Mrs Bilbe said: “I’m just a tough cookie and won’t give in.”

Mrs Bilbe was born Vera Della Wiles in London, the eldest of four. Her two brothers and sister have passed away.

She married the late Frank Bilbe, a talented violinist, in 1935.

The couple travelled to Monte Carlo and Norway, where Mr Bilbe worked for several months, before moving to Wembley.

In December 1941 their only daughter Della was born.

Her daughter said: “Vera has lived through two wars and remembers the Zeppelins and Doodlebugs. Their dog would give them prior warning when there was a Doodlebug hovering above and they would dash to hide under the grand piano.”

The family moved to Faringdon in 1965 and for 20 years Vera helped to run the Salvation Hotel in the town with daughter Della and son-in-law Derek Barnard.

Mrs Bilbe has one grandchild, Philip Barnard.