A woman in Fareham who recently marked her 110th birthday has revealed her secret to a long life.

Annie Samphire marked the incredible milestone with a party at Cams Ridge care home, where she lives, surrounded by other residents from the care home and her family, including her two daughters Betty and Margret.

Annie credits her longevity to plenty of long walks and indulging her sweet tooth.

She has never owned a car and often enjoys an ice cream or chocolate bar before settling down to a night’s sleep.

Annie said: “I’ve lived a long and happy life, and I have been lucky to have the love of a good husband and family.

“Everyone keeps asking me how I’ve done it and tell them that it’s all about staying fit and enjoying yourself. Walk, rather than drive, when you can. And always say yes when offered a biscuit or chocolate bar. Life is for living and enjoying.”

Other than a short two-year stint in Australia, Annie spent her entire life in Hampshire, now living in Fareham. She met her husband of 61 years, a baker named Harry, in 1935 while enjoying a walk through a rock garden near to the beach.

The family legend says that he marched home to tell his parents he had found the woman he was going to marry – and not long after he was proven right.

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Daily Echo:

Harry sadly passed away in 1996. Annie has two daughters, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren – with another on the way – many of whom still live in the Hampshire area.

Prior to marrying Harry, Annie worked at the Landport Drapery Bazaar but had to leave her job once the couple tied the knot due to a rule that barred married women from working there.

Annie never took another job but was very active in local clubs and societies, while Harry worked as a baker throughout his life – not even stopping when the bakery he worked at was hit by a German bomb during the war.

Betty Staley, Annie’s daughter, said: “My mum has always been a strong character and it’s no surprise to me or any of the family that she is celebrating her 110th birthday. She shows the power of love, determination, and embracing life's joys.

“Cams Ridge Care Home has made such a fuss of her birthday and made it one for us all to remember. She was living at home until a year ago and is fiercely independent, but she has really embraced the social aspect of Cams Ridge and gets involved with all of the different activities the team put on.”

Annie was sent a birthday card by King Charles III to mark the special occasion.