TWO Swindon centenarians celebrated their milestone birthdays within a day of each other.

Doris Mackey of Coleview had flowers and video messages from loved ones when she turned 100 yesterday with a cake made by her daughter and granddaughter which had photos ranging from her childhood to now.

Today, Joan Comley is being treated to cake, cards and presents at Fitzwarren Court along with a visit from her youngest son and calls from other relatives.

Both women did their bit during the Second World War. Doris worked in munitions during the day and watched for German bombers above her hometown of St Albans at night while Joan joined the RAF as a sergeant after a plane "caused trouble" over Watford and she thought "I'm not putting up with that".

Both met their husbands during the conflict. Doris met Richard during a dance while he was on leave and Joan met Edward while working at Compton Bassett and then settled in Swindon.

Doris said: "Some of my happiest memories were during that time. I loved to dance and now family is the main thing, I love spending time with my family all together."

Richard Mackey, AKA Dick, was a tailor for Nicholsons. He and Doris moved to Swindon after he was promoted to manage the Swindon factory on County Road more than 60 years ago, then he worked there until the factory closed while Doris focused on being a housewife and mum.

She said the secret to a long and happy life was "being kind to others and others being kind to you", though her daughter Marion Childers suggested that taking everything in moderation and a healthy diet had helped too.

Joan could not pin down the exact secret, adding: "I'm not a miserable person, I've kept well with my family, I've been on many holidays to the far East because my eldest did a lot of work over there. Travel broadens the mind.

"I'm an Essex girl who moved to Watford at 15. My father was in the Navy and my grandfather was a lighthouse man. After the war, I worked as an accountant at Plessey's while Edward worked for the railway.

"I was a very lucky girl and I had a wonderful childhood - that's what you think about when you get old."

Both ladies had hoped for a bigger birthday bash but are celebrating on a smaller scale while planning parties for next year when it's safer.

Doris' daughter Marion added: "Mum would have liked to have had a party with her extended family but that's not been possible, though she was thrilled with the flowers and messages. We might have a '100-and-a-half celebration next year when it's safer.

"She always joked that she started dating Dad because she thought he had a car and by the time she realised that it was hired, it was too late.

"She loved sewing and cooking and she used to run a lot. We went to Swindon Town games all the time, she's a big fan, and saw them win at Wembley Stadium."

Joan added: "I used to do a lot of knitting, and I love jigsaws. I'm looking forward to opening all my cards and presents with my son and might have a proper party after the new year."

Doris has two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Joan has two sons, four grandsons and three great-grandchildren.

Joan enjoys living at Fitzwarren Court, adding: "We get on very well. There's no good coming here unless you have a sense of humour."

Staff member Gemma added: "Joan certainly adds something to Fitzwarren Court. She is the life and soul of activities and events that happen within the scheme, and she is very independent."