A HANDFUL of raisins washed down with a ‘thimble’ of gin every morning is the secret to a long life, if Christina Brown is anything to go by.

Mrs Brown turned 101 on Sunday , and celebrated her birthday with friends living in supported housing in Westcombe Lodge Drive, Hayes, last week.

The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Mary O'Connor, was among the well-wishers who tucked into tea and cake.

Mrs Brown, an avid Manchester United fan who still ventures out once a week to do her own shopping, moved into Westcombe Lodge Drive 20 years ago with her husband, Fred, who died about eight years ago.

Diane Church, Westcombe Lodge Drive manager, said: “Christina’s very independent and she is always taking part in the activities we arrange for the residents. She even cuts her own hair!

“We all keep an eye out for one another here, and Christina is very popular.”