KATHLEEN Hammett, of Bishopsteignton, celebrated her 100th birthday at Moor Park Nursing Home.

Kathleen, a mother of three, was born in Chudleigh and lived most of her life in Newton Abbot.

She worked in service before her marriage in 1938 to Frederick and together they raised three girls.

She was a keen dressmaker in her younger days, having been bought a sewing machine when a girl. Despite being encouraged to take it up professionally she preferred to keep dressmaking as a hobby and make clothes for friends and family.

Kathleen has travelled a lot and has visited the USA. She especially enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean.

After being widowed in 1983, she continued to holiday with friends.

She moved into Moors Park two years ago.

Her daughter Avril said: ‘It was a really special day.

‘At one point there were five generations of girls in the room. I don’t think there’s any great secret to her long life. It might be in her genes or just down to luck.’