THERE was only ever going to be one place where Joyce Brooks was going to celebrate her 100th birthday.
The centenarian turned back the clock and celebrated her big day at the Joyce Brooks Lingerie shop.
Her name is still above the door even though she retired from the High Street shop in 2001.
Mrs Brooks was joined by her friends and work colleagues, some of whom she had not seen for many years, at the shop yesterday lunchtime for a glass of bubbly before heading to the Montpellier Chapter for afternoon tea.
Walking around the shop, which has been open for more than 30 years, and chatting freely with her birthday guests, Mrs Brooks looked the picture of youth.
So what's the secret to such a long and happy life?
"The secret to reaching 100, I think, is hard work and putting cold water on your face to keep it free of wrinkles," Mrs Brooks said.
"I have received a card from the Queen. I was expecting the card. We are all going for tea and we are having a party on Saturday night."
Pam Thomas, the shop's new owner who took over from Mrs Brooks in July 2001, said the centenarian has been a 'great mentor' to her.
She described Mrs Brook's work at building the shop up and surviving some tough economic times over the years as 'a great achievement'.
She said: "The building was for sale and Joyce and I hit it off and she liked me so I went for it. Joyce is a remarkable lady because she has reached 100 and she is still very sociable and she goes out a lot.
"She is as sharp as nine pence.
"She is just remarkable. She loved her shop and I know it was a wrench for her when she left, so it was ideal for us to have a celebration here and then go on to Montpellier Chapter for afternoon tea."
She added: "Joyce was here since the late 1970s, so to keep going for that length of time, especially with the economic situation then, it's a great achievement. She has been a great mentor."
Kate Preece, 79, was one of the people on hand to celebrate Mrs Brook's birthday.
She worked with Mrs Brooks for many years and described her friend as a 'very kind' person.
She said: "Joyce has a very strong personality and she is very kind and generous.
"She was very fair to work for. You always knew where you stood with her."
