Chocolate, good coffee and the occasional gin and tonic are the secrets to a long life, according to a woman who has just celebrated her 100th birthday.

Valborg Coppendale, of Appletree Court, celebrated reaching the milestone last Sunday with friends, family and staff at her care home in Edgware.

Born in Norway, the keen traveller moved to England more than 50 years ago. She married an Englishman and has two daughters, Elizabeth and Marit, and a grandson, Frank.

At her birthday party last week, Mrs Valborg was joined by Mayor of Barnet Councillor Hugh Rayner, who presented the discerning coffee connoisseur with a luxury coffee gift.

She also received a special birthday card from the King of Norway, and her cake was decorated with the Norwegian flag.

Mrs Valborg, a travel enthusiast, shared a few of her tips to maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle, which include walking, a little bit of chocolate from time to time, good coffee and the occasional gin and tonic.