LEARNING a new language might not be at the top of every centenarian's to do list but for one woman turning 100 is no reason to stop learning.

Former English teacher Freda Owen, of St Thomas's Road, Trowbridge, celebrated her birthday with a party attended by more than 100 guests, including 40 former pupils, at the Civic Hall on Saturday.

Mrs Owen is still very active and always looking for new challenges, the latest being a desire to take up the German studies she never completed during her working life.

She said: "It is absolutely important to keep the mind active.

"My personal interest is the pursuit of knowledge. I have a great interest in a lot of things, except modern technology."

Mrs Owen has lived in Trowbridge for 53 years and taught at the Victoria Commercial School, Market Street, and at Roundstone School.

After retiring she did voluntary work with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and Oxfam until the age of 90.

She is still an avid reader and is a member of three poetry groups as well as being a member of the Workers' Educational Association.

She gave up smoking at the age of 80 after smoking five a day for nearly 60 years but does not attribute her longevity to anything in particular.