Hicky Celebrates 102nd Birthday

But these days, she prefers flexing her brain, and is a demon at quizzes and crosswords.

And at 102 years old, who can blame her for taking life a little easier?

She celebrated her birthday on Sunday at Ashdown Lodge residential home in Rustington with family, friends and fellow residents.

Hicky was born in Barry Dock, in Wales and she and her sister were sent to a convent, as their mother was in showbusiness.

After secretarial school, Hicky landed herself a job in London. By day, she was a shorthand typist, but by night, she was a singer following in mum's footsteps.

"I used to sing love songs," she said, "and I got paid for it!"

She has won numerous cups and trophies, not just for her beautiful singing voice, but also for dancing and bowls.

Ashdown Lodge proprietor Janet Tucker said: "She is very young for her age, she was still playing bowls well into her 90s.

"She is very good at quizzes and crosswords, she has a brilliant mind."

Hicky married Arthur, who was a bookmaker, when she was 29, and they had a son and a daughter.

She now has two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters, who attended the special party on Sunday.