Elsie Burrell celebrated her centenary in style today as family and friends gathered for her 100th birthday.

The former shop worker marked the occasion with a party at Kirlena House care home in Kennington.

Mrs Burrell said she believed she owed her long life to years of hard work, the odd spin on her motorbike and a good game of dominoes.

Her only son Edmund, from North Oxford, joined his mother at the home with his wife Jillian.

He said his mother's competitive edge at games like dominoes and bingo, and strong work ethic, had kept her mind keen.

Mr Burrell added: "Back when she worked for Marks & Spencer, everyone worked a six-day week and there was no such thing as statutory holidays.

"When we lived in London, my father saved to buy a motorbike. We were one of the only families in the street to have one and although she didn't drive, she very much enjoyed travelling in the sidecar, as did I."

Mrs Burrell, who was born in Tottenham, moved to Oxfordshire 10 years ago to be closer to her family.