WITH a glass of sherry and a card from the Queen, Maggie Youngs had plenty to smile about at the weekend.

But celebrating her 100th birthday on Saturday was only part of the pleasure – as nothing gave her more delight than marking her milestone in the tiny terraced house where she has lived for the past 98 years.

The sprightly pensioner spent her first night at the property in Kirkley when she was just two years old. Her parents moved the family in back in 1914, as the country was preparing for the first world war.

Since then, she has only left the house for an extended period on one occasion – when she was evacuated to Exeter for 11 months at the height of the second world war.

Speaking about her beloved house, and the key to her long life, she told The Journal: 'I would never move out of here – not even if I won the Lottery. I think the key is just being happy and making sure that you eat good food.'

Mrs Young, who has only been to hospital once during her life, marked her birthday on Saturday with a small gathering of her closest relatives. But a grand celebration was also held on Sunday, when more than 50 friends and family descended on the Masonic Hall in Lowestoft for a party in her honour.

Her youngest son, John, spoke of his pride for his mother whom, he said, has always been happy and never had a bad word to say about anybody.

He said: 'We have been to this house so many times – there are not many days that we have not been round here.

'There was one occasion when I, some of my sisters and my mum all lived on this street at the same time. I lived at number 66, Doreen lived at 62, Anne lived at 34 and Jean lived at 58.'

'I think it is marvellous that she has managed to live here all these years.'

Her youngest daughter, Anne, added: 'We are all quite proud of her for living so long and we have brought her a new clock which she really likes.'

Mrs Young, whose real name is Agnes, worked at the Birds Eye factory in Lowestoft and at the Marquis Of Lorne pub on Carlton Road, as well as bringing up her six children; Doreen, 78, Jean, 76, John 74, Brenda, 71, Eileen, 67 and Anne 63.

She also has 54 grandchildren, and a number of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Her husband William died aged 72.

Do you know anyone who has lived at a property in the Lowestoft or Southwold areas for longer than Maggie? Maybe even for a complete century? E-mail ben.woods@archant.co.uk or call 01502 525832.