GARDENING and the great outdoors are the secret to a long life, according to an Eaton Socon woman who has turned 102. Phyllis Mellor, who lives at Hillings care home in Grenville Way, is now believed to be one of the county s oldest residents. The mother

GARDENING and the great outdoors are the secret to a long life, according to an Eaton Socon woman who has turned 102.

Phyllis Mellor, who lives at Hillings care home in Grenville Way, is now believed to be one of the county's oldest residents.

The mother of three was born on August 9, 1907, and spent the first 40 years of her life living in India.

She lived in England for the first time in 1947, staying in Middlesex and Kent.

The great, great grandmother lived with her daughter Agnes Udall in Eaton Ford for two years, before moving to the Hillings two months ago.

In honour of her birthday a cake staff, friends and family gathered at the care home to present Mrs Mellor with a birthday cake.

"I will now be aiming for my 105th birthday so I can receive another birthday card from the Queen," she said.

Mrs Mellor has seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great, great-grandchildren.