Lillian celebrates 100th birthday with family

For Lillian Wall, the secret to a long and happy life has been 'a lot of luck and not too much worry'.

The centenarian celebrated her 100th birthday at Inglewood care home, in Banks Street, Willenhall.

Together with her three sons, Derek, Michael and David, and some friends, she enjoyed live music performed by singer Alan Mantle.

Derek, aged 67, who lives in Willenhall, said: "Today has been absolutely magic. She's enjoyed it very much."

He added: "I can't believe my mum's a centenarian.

"It's great to see her reach the milestone, fantastic."

Mrs Wall was born in Mill Lane, Short Heath, Willenhall, in 1914 and attended Lane Head School.

At the start of the Second World War she served with the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the women's branch of the British Army at the time.

Stationed in Warrington, she worked as a caterer in the Officers' Mess, taking meals to the soldiers.

She was discharged after six months because of problems with her feet.

For the remainder of the war she worked at automotive firm Rubery Owen in Darlaston, manufacturing aircraft munitions.

After that she joined lock manufacturing company Ash & Sons, where she stayed for a number of years.

In 1945 she married her husband Henry at the register office in Wolverhampton, and the couple went to live together in Waite Road, Portobello.

Mrs Wall went on to have three sons, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She said the secret to her longevity was simply 'a lot of luck and not too much worry'.

Her son Derek added: "She's doing amazingly well for her age. She's got no walking stick and she's got all her faculties.

"You give her two coins to choose from and she'll take the two-pound piece every time."