AN AVID Argus reader and renowned pastry cook has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Florence Roberts was born in Brighton in 1920 to a family of fisherfolk, the eldest daughter of ten children.

She worked in a local Brewery and at the Astoria Cinema in Brighton. During the Second World War, she worked at Gatwick Airport repairing bullet holes in Lancaster bombers.

Family and friends turned up to her surprise birthday party at Kingsland House Care Home in Shoreham on Thursday.

Mrs Roberts’ grandson Darren Kitching, 49, said: “We had an amazing day. My nan has a strong connection to the Brighton area and has been an avid reader of The Argus for many years.

“And her pies were really delicious.”

Mrs Roberts said the secret to her longevity was “the love of a great husband, extensive travel, a positive attitude and giving up smoking 40 years ago”.