PERSHORE resident Catherine Bogg reached the remarkable age of 105 on Monday and vowed the secret to her longevity was simply hard work.

Mrs Bogg, who now lives at the Paddock Rest Home in Pershore, was in her own house in St Andrew's Road until last September, when at 104 years old, she was still cleaning and hoovering and ensuring her home was spotless.

She was also known as the life and soul of the party and as well as a penchant for dominoes, she was known to be the cardshark of the family when they played together in Birmingham.

Mrs Bogg was originally from Yorkshire and her northern hospitality has prevailed after all these years.

Her family said she would always offer a drink and something to eat to anyone who ever visited her.

She worked for the Government during the wars, making uniforms during World War I and shells during World War II.

She spent about 15 years in Birmingham raising a family after the war before moving to Pershore with her husband Jack, who died more than 20 years ago aged 81.

Her son Billy, grandsons Michael and Selwin and great-grandson Nathan helped celebrate on Monday, when pupils from Holy Redeemer Primary School presented cards they had made for Mrs Bogg.

She didn't receive any special card from the Queen for reaching 105 but she wasn't disappointed - she refused to allow her family to apply for a card on her 100th birthday because she said it wasn't the Queen who had helped her to live for a century.

It is her feisty attitude, sharp wit and sense of humour which has seen her through 105 years although she admits she would love to be 50 again!