Mrs Ethel Massey will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 15 at Woolnough House, one of City of York Council's care homes. The Lord Mayor, Councillor David Horton, and the executive member for social services, Councillor Viv Kind will both be visiting Mrs Massey to offer their congratulations.

Mrs Massey was born in St Martin's Lane, off Micklegate in 1903, one of seven children. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, Jack Welburn-Massey, whom she describes as 'handsome and tall' - for 40 years. In her younger days, Mrs Massey loved dancing, and is still partial to the odd drop of sherry.

Mrs Massey says that the key to longevity is to: "Look after yourself and look out for others."

The Lord Mayor Councillor Horton, said: "Having met Mrs Massey in the civic party's pre-Christmas visit to City of York's Elderly Persons Homes, I am pleased to be able to return and give her in person my warmest congratulations on her achievement. I know how much Mrs Massey is looking forward to her 'big' day and to celebrating her 100th with friends and family."

Cllr Viv Kind, said: "It's a real honour to be able to visit Mrs Massey on her 100th birthday. She is clearly a very special lady and maintains a real zest for life."