A retired cake decorator and cigarette maker is raising a glass to turning 100 years old.

Gladys Jenkins toasted her centenary in style at the Prince George House care home in Mansbrook Boulevard and said the secret to a long life is her love of sherry.

Ms Jenkins was born in London on April 17, 1924, and has memories of seeing the Queen and royal family.

Aged 12, Gladys moved to Ipswich, which is where she worked at making cigarettes at small pipe tobacco manufacturer Churchman’s, and as a cake decorator at her local bakery.

She later raised three daughters - Kathy, Theresa and Doreen - as a single mum, and is now a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Kirsty, Matt, Laura, Jason, Luke, Jodie, Carly and Roxanne.

In her younger years, Gladys was a keen knitter and gardener. She enjoyed sewing fabric coat hangers to sell, making baby clothes for her grandchildren and maintaining her vegetable patch.

Gladys said: “I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my daughters, sharing fish and chips and a glass of sherry together.”

Her advice to young people is to always be kind.

On the day, the team hosted a special party for Gladys and her family, complete with her favourite fish and chips, accompanied by a birthday cake prepared by the head chef.

Luminita Triff, home manager at Prince George House, said: “It was an honour to celebrate Gladys’s birthday with her family. She is a beloved resident at Prince George House, and we all had a wonderful time celebrating this tremendous milestone.

“Everything we do centres around supporting residents to live happy and fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions.

"Gladys’s 100th birthday was no exception, and it was a delight to hear her advice for living a long and happy life. Let’s all raise a glass to Gladys.”