HARRIET Cranmer makes sure she has a good hot meal every day and gets plenty of exercise. And this Valentine s Day she will be celebrating her 100th birthday. Those who know her certainly never forget the date of her birthday – because her middle name is

HARRIET Cranmer makes sure she has a good hot meal every day and gets plenty of exercise. And this Valentine's Day she will be celebrating her 100th birthday.

Those who know her certainly never forget the date of her birthday - because her middle name is Valentine.

"Life has gone so quickly and I don't feel 100," she said. "I cook a good, hot meal every day and exercise regularly. I grow my own vegetables in my back garden, go for walks around the village and do my own cleaning. I just get a window cleaner in for my windows.

"I've had an interesting life and have a lot to be thankful for. I'm so lucky I still have my brain, and my marbles."

She will be celebrating her birthday with friends and family at her home in Tydd St Giles.

Mrs Cranmer was born in Sutton St James, one of nine children. At the age of three her family moved to Tydd St Giles where she grew up.

When she was 28 she married her late husband John in Tydd St Giles Parish Church and worked as a cook for various people in the area, as well as in service in London. In her early 20s, she was a founder member of Tydd St Giles Women's Institute and belonged to the Parochial Church Council for a few years.

She has a son David and two grandchildren, Richard and Susan Cooke.

Mrs Cranmer said: "My birthday is going to be a busy day. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone, my grand-daughter is coming over from Australia especially."

Her niece, Margaret Fox, of Tydd St Giles, said: "Harriet has always been a very busy person, and keeps very active. She always has an open house on her birthday, and everyone goes to her for a cup of tea and a bite to eat. That's what she wants.