Ref. 27768A PEAL of 100 bells began a day to remember for Constance Plummer on Friday as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

The sprightly centenarian, who has lived at Long-bridge Deverill House, near Warminster for 10 years, had an action-packed day in the company of friends and staff at the home. Deputy manager Mary Dean got the ball rolling when she rang the bells in the village church before a special communion service was held in Mrs Plummer's honour.

She was then whisked off for lunch at Cross Keys pub in Corsley before posing for the Wiltshire Times later in the afternoon. After a day to recuperate, the festivities began again on Sunday when she was joined by 60 friends and relatives for a second party in Motcombe, near Shaftesbury.

Longevity appears to run in Mrs Plummer's family as her mother lived until 95 and her father until 87, but she claims not to have any secret to reaching 100.

She said: "I'm amazed and staggered that people made so much fuss. I've had masses of cards."

Mrs Plummer was born in Stoke Newington, north London, before moving to Wimbledon where she and her husband Eric lived until they came to Wiltshire in 1994. In her younger days she was a keen rider and sportswoman and always drank a glass of Martini before lunch.

Now a widow, she enjoys a daily glass of sherry and 1/4 of a pint of Guinness when visiting local pubs.

Her daughter Jennifer Dancaster said: "Her mind is more crystal clear than the rest of us. If ever we want to know the date of something, we always ask her."