SINGING and a sweet tooth is the secret to keeping young at heart according to Annie Scarle who has celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Annie, who was born in West Knapton, celebrated her 102nd birthday alongside friends, staff and fellow residents at Beechwood Place Nursing Home, Norton, where she has been a resident for the past two years.

Annie celebrated with a homemade chocolate cake and received lots of flowers, cards and chocolates from friends and family.

Shirley Brewer, who works at Beechwood Place, said that Annie is such a happy resident and is always taking part in the workshops and activities they host at the home.

She said: "She is such a chatty lady and she was so proud to celebrate her birthday. We all had such a lovely time and she really enjoyed having her picture taken.

"Annie was hoping to get a birthday card from the queen but she will have to wait for another three years until she is 105 now."

The 102-year-old played the church organ at Rillington for a number of years and Shirley said that to this day her love for music is still strong.

"Her favourite activity is singing," she said. "She loves attending the church services and she knows all of the words to the songs. She has a really wonderful voice too."