A woman who turns 103-years-old today has said it is her sense of humour that has led to her long life.

Maud Bailey, who has lived at Forest Dene Residential Care Home in Hermon Hill, Wanstead, since February, was born in Bow and grew up in Wilmot Road, Leyton, with her parents, machinist Alice and dock worker Frank Campbell.

When asked how she felt about turning 103, she said: “I just want to go on living. I have a healthy diet, I don’t drink and a sense of humour keeps you going.”

“I’ve had a good life. I had a happy childhood with loving parents who looked after me well and a good husband.”

She followed in her mother’s footsteps when she left Malmsbury Road School, Bow, to become a machinist at an underwear factory.

When she was 16 she met Frederick Bailey and the couple married when she was 21, but did not have children.

“We were very happy together,” she said.

The home’s manager, Gracy Bhoopalan, said: “Maud has always got a smile and she is a very sweet lady.

“She is always laughing and has a very cheeky and mischievous side to her.

“She is a real pleasure to be around and we are so proud to be celebrating this milestone with her.”

A birthday party will be held on January 10 with her fellow residents.