A great-grandmother who is turning 101 says her life has been tough, full of milestones and never dull.

Lily Simons' house was bombed while she was at work during the Second World War, she was strafed by a Luftwaffe pilot in a field, and a famous actor "tried it on with her".

She will celebrate the milestone on April 11 with a party, her family and friends.

Ms Simons says she always liked a bonus - so anything after 100 is just that.

Fortune Mutero, the homey care home’s manager said: “Lily is one jolly lady- she loves a good sing-along.”

She was bought up in the East End and remembers, at the age of six, being packed off for the day to her cousin's house 15 miles away in Notting Hill.

Travelling solo on the tram across town, life was very different - and meant ice-cream came from horse drawn trucks instead of vans.

She was a well-reviewed young writer but her father died when she was young so she had to work to help the family stay afloat instead of taking up a scholarship.

At work, she met Gary Simons, who she fell in love with instantly.

Although others "tried it on with her" - including a famous actor who she refuses to name - Gary always had her heart.

Her house was bombed when everyone was out and she was strafed by a Luftwaffe pilot in the fields around Theale, where she had been evacuated to.

After the war she gave birth to her two sons, Nick, 70, and Richard, 65.

Gary died 30 years ago but she continued to life a life full with activity and travel. An active charity worker and used to drive the blind club around until she was 89.

She has six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.