A great-grandmother who is about to become a centenarian said the key to long life is sheer independence and determination.

Lydia Coldwell, from Alresford, is turning 100 on Sunday - and she has had an eventful life.

She has spent almost half her life living alone, but said her determination has kept her going.

From knitting bonnets for premature babies, to getting a speeding fine aged 80, she has experienced it all.

Lydia was born in Mile End and had a sister and two brothers, with whom she went to school in Boxted.

After school she became a tailoress at Peakes and married her first husband, Jack.

With Jack she had her three children - Jill, 78, Anne, 74 and Carol, 69.

She had a wonderful relationship with Jack, but he sadly died aged 52, after suffering with bad asthma.

Her daughter Carol Simons said she has had a tough life, as she also lost her second husband after five years of marriage.

Carol said: "She married Tom Coldwell in 1970 and they had five years together. He died from throat cancer and she has been on her own for about 43 years.

"When she went back out to work afterwards she worked for schools and did sewing with the children. She started at a school in Stanway and moved to St Osyth, where she stayed until she retired.

"She was always really busy, she enjoyed crocheting blankets for people."

Lydia may have been living alone, but that did not stop her living life to the full.

She was driving up until she was 92, and even picked up a speeding fine when she was 80.

Carol, who lives around the corner from her mum, said: "We used to take mum out for coffee and she used to go on holiday with a couple friends.

"Now in her latter years she makes bonnets for the premature babies at Colchester General Hospital. She said it keeps her going.

"She also loved working in the garden."

Even at 100 Lydia is as healthy as she can be. She has some trouble walking, but her daughters said she still has her thoughts about her.

She still attends the weekly lunch club and has carers visit her three times a day.

Carol added: "She has had a tough time but she has coped so well."

Lydia, who has 13 great grandchildren and another 13 grandchildren, is having an afternoon tea with all the family at her local village hall to celebrate.