A FORMER nurse has said the secret to living a long and happy life is keeping your brain active as she marked a milestone birthday last week.

Dorothy Howie celebrated her 100th birthday at HC-One’s Summerhill care home in Kendal on May 18.

And the day was made even more special after the home started a social media campaign which resulted in the lifelong Kendalian receiving over 100 cards from across the globe.

Born on West Street in 1921, Dorothy enjoyed playing hockey during her school years before she worked as an auxiliary nurse.

While she never married or had any children, Dorothy led a busy life with lots of hobbies and she still enjoys bowls, quizzes and bird watching.

When asked what her secret to living a long and happy life is, Dorothy said that is having plenty of interests that keep your brain active.

To help her celebrate her milestone birthday, the team at Summerhill care home started a social media campaign a few weeks ago to get 100 birthday cards for Dorothy.

On her birthday the post was delivered and over 140 cards had been sent from all over the world, including a special card from Her Majesty, the Queen.

In the afternoon, the centenarian was visited by a close friend who had baked her a birthday cake and watched a video that was specially made by a local dance group.

Summerhill home manager, Kathleen Dean said: “I am so pleased that we were able to help Dorothy celebrate her 100th birthday, the smile on her face really said it all.”