A HUNDRED-year-old who says "contentment" is the key to longevity has become the first centenarian in the history of a Kidderminster sheltered housing complex.

Mabel Haynes celebrated her century with friends and family at Arch Hill in Orchard Street on Monday. Mabel Haynes is joined by sons Howard (left) and Eric to celebrate her landmark 100th birthday.

Also present was warden Liz Meese, who has been at the 91-flat complex since it opened 22 years ago. She said Mrs Haynes was the first 100-year-old to live there in that time.

Birmingham-born Mrs Haynes has lived in Kidderminster for two-and-a-half years, having spent most of her life as a housewife in Smethwick.

She moved to be closer to her son, Spennells resident Eric and his wife Jean, who said: "Mabel has done very well. She's still very active and you wouldn't know she was 100.

"She tells us contentment is the secret for a long life."

Mrs Haynes, who was the youngest of a family of seven, has another son, Howard, living in Weston-super-Mare, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.