A FORMER church organist who has reached her 107th birthday has put her long life down to a passion for walking and being a 'good girl'.

Gwladys Roberts celebrated another milestone as she received her seventh birthday card from The Queen, as friends and family visited her to celebrate her special day.

The birthday girl is currently staying at Fairfield House in Lyme Regis after living in Drimpton since she was married at the age of 30. But the former organ player at St Mary's Church, Beaminster, still sees her native Wales as home.

"I was born in North Wales" explained Gwladys. "I lived there until I got married. I was a little late getting married - I was 30, but I did enjoy my life back there.

"It's totally different to down here. But I was born near the seaside, so this is nothing new to me.

"I miss North Wales, I see that as my home. When I came here I lost all my friends and my church people. My life completely changed."

Gwladys moved to Drimpton after tying the knot with husband Arthur, and gave birth to their son William.

She puts her long life down to not having lots of 'men friends' and excitement in her life when she was younger - as well as being a keen walker.

"The secret is being a good girl and not having much excitement" she said. "I just had a lovely home, lovely parents and a big family with four sisters.

"I have good memories of happy days at my home. I wasn't one of the naughty girls - I had no men friends.

"I would love to be able to go walking with the family when they come to visit. I used to walk miles and miles when I was younger, I absolutely loved it."

Although Gwladys found it difficult to settle in the area for many years, she believes she is now getting used to life in Dorset.

"Unfortunately, Arthur didn't live all that long" she said. "It took me an awful long time to get to know people.

"On the whole, I am beginning to settle and to like it. We went shopping in the morning and the girl who was with me told a friend 'Mrs Roberts in 107' and some of the locals heard it and I had all sorts of people coming up to me and wishing me a happy birthday."