Ref. 26043-SF002Mabel Goodings celebrated her 103rd birthday with a cigarette and glass of gin.

As Mabel, from Purton, puffed on her favourite unfiltered Players cigarette, she reckons she will go on forever - smoking that is.

She said: "They haven't killed me yet and I've no intention of stopping."

Surrounded by close family, along with scores of cards and bouquets, Mabel belted out an old-fashioned song called Buttercup Joe.

Her strong voice brought the lyrics to life, especially the line: "I'm as fresh as daisies in the field."

Born at a house in Bentham Lane, between Purton and Purton Stoke, Mabel now lives in New Road, Purton, with her son, Ken, 71.

She has three other sons Les, 63, Pete, 74, and Rex, 58 who all joined her for a birthday drink.

Her husband, Bert, a former plate layer at the Great Western Railway, died in 1977.

Determined not to do a scrap of work, she took the special day in her light-hearted stride.

Mabel said: "I'm taking the day off. It's a shame age always goes forward, never back. I'm the only one left out of nine brothers and sisters."

Her hobbies used to include gardening and cooking, but now she prefers to take things easy in front of the TV.

Mabel said: "I like all the soaps, especially Coronation Street. But Emmerdale's not what it used to be."

Proud of his mother's longevity, Ken daren't tell her to stop smoking.

He said: "If I told her to stop, it would kill her. She is very contented and just keeps plodding on. It's amazing."

As for food, her tastes favour tradition over what is today deemed healthy.

Ken said: "She made great steak puddings and jam roly poly. Her Sunday roasts were also marvellous."

Les, from Stratton St Margaret, also saluted Mabel's endless vitality.

He said: "She's amazing and has had a hard life, bringing up four boys. In those days we didn't even have a washing machine. Mum has always been there for us and will probably outlive us all."