YOGA and walking are the keys to a long life – according to one Somerset centenarian.

Barbara, who lives at Beauchamp House Country House Care in Hatch Beauchamp, marked the landmark birthday with a party – including guests from overseas.

Great-grandmother Barbara welcomed relatives from Australia, Austria and Germany to join her for a birthday lunch cooked by the home’s in-house chefs, and enjoyed a host of games and activities at the home’s bistro, library and outdoor pavilion space, which had been decorated in her honour.

Born in Dudley, in the West Midlands, Barbara was the eldest of three children.

She worked as a secretary before meeting her late husband, George. Together the couple welcomed their daughter Gail, who now lives in Germany, and son Guy, who now lives in Australia.

They lived in Lancashire and Scotland before retiring to Barrington in Somerset, with Barbara now the proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Talking about the secret to her mother reaching 100 years of age, daughter Gail said: “She used to walk every day and do yoga. She’s always eaten very healthily and was a keen gardener and seamstress. She also has many nice friends and is a very determined lady.”

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Among the many activities enjoyed at Beauchamp House care home, Barbara’s favourites are the parties and live music organised by their dedicated in-house activities team.

Debbie Lane, home manager at Beauchamp House, said: “Barbara is such an incredible lady with a great sense of humour. She smiles all the time and is a very happy person.

“She also likes to give cuddles to her family and the care home team as she’s a very loving person. She is a joy for the team to care for and so it was a privilege to be part of her special 100th birthday celebrations and to help to make the occasion special for her visiting relatives.”

Beauchamp House is run by the not-for-profit charity Care South, providing residential, respite, and nursing care.

For more information, visit care-south.co.uk, or call Beauchamp House on 01823 589778.