A SOUTHAMPTON resident celebrated her milestone birthday while sharing her secrets to a long life. 

May Pitman was born in Hampton, Middlesex, and was called Bunty by her sisters, after the nursery rhyme Bye Baby Bunting.

Bunty had a large family with her husband, John, a dentist. The couple got engaged in 1938 at the age of 20, and they were married in July 1940.

The couple went on to have two daughters, Jennifer and Sally and were blessed with three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

Together, the couple moved and lived in Plymouth, Tavistock, Bideford, Surrey, and Guildford. They also got the opportunity to travel to Sydney and Perth. 

Bunty attended a secretarial course after leaving school and to earn a living, she also worked in her father’s architect's office.

Life has been full of surprises for Bunty, she is still living her to the fullest and is a well-respected member of Southampton's Speedwell Court.

Finding joy in little things, Bunty loves exercising and riding her mobility bike. 

While celebrating her 104th birthday surrounded by her friends and family, Bunty shared the secret to her long life. She said: "Remaining independent, keeping active, and exercising to the best of your ability every day if possible."