A centenarian has marked her milestone birthday surrounded by loved ones.

Josephine 'Peggy' Hale, of Whitehaven, turned 100 on Christmas Day.

She was delighted to receive many gifts and cards, including one from the Queen.

Peggy spent the morning at her daughter's home with her family, then continued the celebrations at The Gables care home in Whitehaven, where she lives.

Her loved ones say she is a "fun-loving, thoughtful, kind, polite and a gentle sweet lady", with "a great sense of humour" who was "the life and soul of the party".

Peggy grew up on Michael Street in Whitehaven.

She married her husband, Tom, at St Nicholas' Church in Whitehaven and they enjoyed a 48-year marriage.

They had three daughters, Marilyn, Ann and Edith; seven grandchildren, Iain, Mark, Nicola, Rachel, Alison, Davinia and Theron; and eight great-grandsons; Daniel, Nathan, Aaron, Finlay, Eli, Rupert, Max and Jagger.

Peggy worked for the fire service and later as a carer at Pow Beck care home.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, Peggy replied: "Eat lots of chocolate, laugh a lot, and enjoy life."