Mrs RendellVERA Rendell, the widow of the former proprietor of one of Devizes' major building firms, this week celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by members of her family.

Mrs Rendell, who has been a widow for 50 years, is still spry and active, despite a recent leg problem caused by a fall.

She does a newspaper crossword every day and enjoys a challenging game of Scrabble. She said: "I used to play bridge, but I don't have the patience for that now."

Mrs Rendell was born in Hanwell, London, and met her husband, Frank Rendell, of the famous local family who started up Rendells in 1847, when her mother returned to her roots when her father was called up to serve in the Army during the First World War.

Mr and Mrs Rendell were married at St Mary's Church, Calne, in September 1932 and had two children, John, who still lives in Devizes, and Annette, who has moved to Florida, USA, with her husband John Marks.

Mrs Rendell said: "I can't really believe I'm 100. It sort of crept up on me. I like to keep as active as I can. I don't know what my secret is for long life, except moderation in all things."

Mrs Rendell celebrated her birthday at the Castle Hotel in Devizes on Sunday with her children, most of her grandchildren and some of her great grandchildren.