The secret to a long and healthy life is thinking positively, says a great-grandmother from Chorleywood.

Mona Satterthwaite said good thoughts help you live longer – and she celebrated her 100th birthday on June 19.

With the help of her family, Mona has received her telegram from the Queen.

Hannah Satterthwaite, 39, who is Mona’s granddaughter said: “Granny had such a lovely birthday. On Saturday she celebrated at St Andrew’s Church where she is a member, and then we had a family party for her on the Sunday.

“Granny is a member of lots of groups – she still goes to pottery classes and a group called Keenagers – and each one threw her a party. She’s had lots of celebrating to do.

“And she’s received her telegram from the Queen which she is delighted with – she loves that it’s written in Welsh in which she is fluent.”

Mona was born in Wirral but grew up in Wales with her Aunt and younger sister, Olwen.

She moved to Hertfordshire in her 20s and worked for the Post Office’s telephone exchange department.

It was in Hertfordshire that she met her husband, Frank Satterthwaite, at a dance in 1939.

Mona won the prize of a dozen eggs and Frank carried them home for her.

Frank and Mona married shortly after in 1939 before Frank went to fight in the war.

Returning in 1945, Mr and Mrs Satterthwaite went on to have three children, Christopher, Christine and Carole, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Hannah said: “Everyone says granny is so positive and so interested in people.

“People always comment on how energetic and amazing she is - she does the crossword in the newspaper every single day.

“Granny is great fun to be with and she is much-loved by everyone.”