She has survived two World Wars, seen 19 Prime Ministers and lived through huge change in the East End of London, but there is one thing Grace Mills has never done – eaten a pea.

Mrs Mills was born on July 29 1915, in Clerkenwell, London.

Yesterday, she celebrated with her family at Tallis House in Ninefields, Waltham Abbey, as she turned 100.

With eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great- great-grandchildren, Mrs Mills is known by her family as someone who has always helped others through the years, even when facing difficulties of her own.

“She has had a tough life really, but she is happy most of the time,” said her daughter Marion Bishop, 76.

“My Mum has always been one of the people who helps other people.

“That is her favourite occupation.

“She used to run errands for all the older neighbours, and then when she got older she helped look after them.

“She looked after her mother for 10 years.”

Born into a family of cardboard box makers, she lived in Hackney for most of her life.

Supporting her family and husband Alfred Mills, who passed away 25 years ago, Mrs Mills also worked as a cleaner and a factory worker.

Her daughter said: “She always worked one way or another and she thoroughly enjoyed it.

“She has got a sense of humour, likes a laugh.

“She has never danced and I have never heard her sing, but she was the one in the kitchen making the sandwiches when we had a party, and that was the way she liked it.”

Still in good health apart from eyesight and hearing problems, Mrs Mills has lived a long life despite ignoring some of the most common health advice, said her daughter.

“Everybody else says ‘you have to eat your greens’, and you have to eat this and that, but my Mum hates her greens – she has never eaten a pea.

“She has always been very strong, she eats what she wants and leaves everything else.

“She did smoke a while, but when the war ended she stopped.

“She never drank alcohol, because when she was really ill with the flu, Dad said ‘that will help you sleep’, but it made it worse.

“She just enjoys what she likes.”