A TOT of whisky every night and lots of laughs are the secret to a long and happy life - according to Nina Jones.

The Raglan pensioner celebrated her 100th birthday on Wednesday.

Family, friends and neighbours joined Mrs Jones for a special party to mark the landmark occasion.

She said: "We had a wonderful day, I love to party and my birthday was the perfect excuse."

Mrs Jones, originally from Llandewi Rhydderch, believes it is her zest for life which has kept her going so long.

She said: "I am lucky to have had a very happy life and mixed with a lot of good people, I think that has been a big help."

The grandmother of five and great-grandmother of nine has looks that belie her years and still takes a keen interest in fashion, literature and music.

She said: "I read three books every week and like to watch TV and listen to music.

"I can't be as physically active as I used to be but I like to keep my mind active."

After meeting her huntsman husband, Roy, Mrs Jones moved from Gwent to live in County Antrim, Northern Ireland before returning to Monmouthshire.

Despite enduring the loss of her husband and daughter she has still kept a positive outlook on life.

She said: "I love to laugh, it's important to laugh at least once every day and I always have a tot of whisky every night."