Violet Flynn has celebrated her 104th birthday – and says she still loves nothing more than her daily sherry and reading the Mercury.

Mrs Flynn, who delivered the paper as a girl, was born in Wharf Street on July 1, 1905.

She said: "I have always worked hard and played hard. That is my secret – and it is an old but true message.

"I have a sherry in bed every evening except Friday, because I have to take a pill on Saturdays and go without food or drink for some hours.

"But I make up for it afterwards."

She also swears by applying nightly moisturiser and added: "I like Mercury, which we get every day."

Mrs Flynn lived in Wigston until 10 years ago and now stays with her daughter, Audrey Burch, in Great Glen. Mrs Flynn said: "My children are very good to me."

Yesterday, she enjoyed a party at Brooklands Day Centre, in Market Harborough, which she visits.

She had a drop of sherry and cake and cards from staff and friends. Mrs Burch and other relatives joined her.

Mrs Burch said: "Mum comes here three days a week and really loves it. The staff and the people are so friendly and they gave her such a lovely party.

"Mum and dad – he died in 1980 – had five children, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

"Mum's dad had a hairdressers, in Wharf Street, and she used to deliver the Mercury when she was a girl. She still reads it every day.

"She loves a glass of sherry every evening and dominoes."

Day centre manager Lesley Barker said: "Mrs Flynn is such a lovely lady. She is the oldest person who uses the day centre and we love her."