Age is nothing but a number for a centenarian who still walks the length of a busy high street every day.

Winifred Rumble, who is celebrating her 100th birthday, today, says that an active lifestyle has helped her to reach her landmark birthday.

The former dinner lady for schools in Forest Gate, who still cooks, cleans and goes out shopping every day, says that she has always had an active life.

She said: “I didn’t think I would make it to 100, but other people said I would. There is no secret to it.

“I do get plenty of exercise. I walk the whole way down Epping High Street every day and I do everything myself.

“I was a cook for school meals. I worked until I was 70, I left the school at 65 and then I did other work.”

Mrs Rumble who lives in Stewarts Court, Epping High Road, has two daughters, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Having survived two world wars Mrs Rumble says that she is very grateful to have received a card from the queen.

She said: “You had to be good at writing, I could only send 25 words to my first husband. He was a prisoner of war. By the time I had written the name and address and love from his daughter there was not room for much else.

“I have a wonderful family and friends. They arranged a party for me at the weekend, it was such a surprise.

“It was lovely to get a card from the queen.”