100 years for Olive

A party was held at Lennox Lodge on The Highlands to mark the occasion and Olive was joined by her daughter, grand-daughter and two great-grandhcildren, as well as staff, residents, family and friends.

Her son John lives in New Zealand, while daughter Patricia visited from Crawley Down, with Sarah, Edward and Lara.

Olive also welcomed her nieces and nephews who visited from Wales, Wolverhampton and Cannock.

Lennox Lodge cook Ian Roberts made a special cake for Olive and her guests to enjoy.

Olive told manager Karen Stacey: "It's just perfect - absolutely wonderful. It couldn't be better in any way."

She added that she was "overwhelmed by kindness".

Olive Taylor was born in Chapel Ash near Wolverhampton and had two brothers. After school she went to work in the children's section of a department before working many years in a paint warehouse. She met Herbert Luckett and the couple married in 1930 and raised three children.

Olive has lived in Bexhill since October having moved from a residential home in Dallington near Heathfield. On her bedroom wall is one the the still-lifes she painted, having a strong creative streak.

"I have dabbled in all sorts - knitting, sewing and painting...all sorts."

She claims there is no secret to enjoying long life but added: "I have got love in my heart. I have got faith and trust. You must have trust in The Almighty...It's all very well people saying there is no God but you have only to look through the window and see the trees, and smell the fresh air, to know."