A GOOD breakfast is the secret to a long life according to a 106-year-old.

Ella Redmond celebrated her birthday with her grandson William Knight and friends at Riseborough Care Centre, Branksome Wood Road, Bournemouth.

She said: "I had a marvellous father who believed in a good breakfast. Every day he made it for me himself to make sure I had it. That sets you up for the day.

"Also I eat rather slowly, I always have, and only quite recently I discovered that you get much more from your food if you eat slowly."

Mrs Redmond, who was born in London in 1901, has outlived Clark Gable, Zeppo Marx, Louis Armstrong and Barbara Cartland who were all born in the same year.

She married and had a daughter, Daphne, then met her second husband, William Redmond, whom she called Bill.

Mrs Redmond said: "My husband and I were going to do so much travelling but he died aged 64, although he looked much younger.

"We were going to go to Africa. He always said to me you must see Victoria Falls they are very big and wonderful but we never got there which I am still sad about."

Mrs Redmond enjoyed dancing with her husband. She said: "I could've gone on the stage but my mother wouldn't give me permission."

Mrs Redmond said she had a very good party and was delighted to be given some flowers by her grandson.