THE oldest witness ever to appear at Cardiff crown court has just turned 100.

Newport's Clara Hamilton, pictured, celebrated her century on July 27 with family and friends at the Blaen-y-Pant residential home in Malpas.

In January, Mrs Hamilton helped convict a con artist who stole her purse while posing as a saleswoman.

She noted the woman's car registration number and gave such a good description that the thief was jailed for two years.

Before her retirement, Mrs Hamilton was a barber, and some of her fellow residents at the home remember her cutting their hair as children.

She reads the Argus every evening, is involved in charity work and loves newspaper crosswords.

She said: "I think the secret to a long life is to be active, stay interested in the world and people, and then you have a strong will to live."

Sheila Jenkins, assistant manager of Blaen-y-Pant House, said: "Clara is just amazing, she is still so smart and quick. She is an inspiration to us all."