GOOD breeding, good feeding and not dying are the secrets to living to 100 – according to new centenarian Eva Drayson.

The great-grandmother, of Old Town, celebrated the milestone with friends and family at The Pear Tree in Purton yesterday.

Eva, who is the eldest of four siblings, was born in London on October 5, 1912 to Arthur and Sarah House.

Friends and family of the great-grandmother-of-11 travelled from across the globe to celebrate with her.

“The family have come from Spain, Italy, the Bahamas and France. I have been spoilt,” she said.

“The secret to living to 100 is good breeding, good feeding and not dying.

“I have always eaten the very best of food: full fat cream, milk and butter, but no snacks in between meals.”

Eva, who moved to Swindon 16 years ago, had four children, Lillian, Arthur, Mary and Rosemary.

She also has eight grandchildren.

Eva studied at City of London College when she was 20 and then started work as a secretary in the capital.

She later opened her own ladieswear shop before returning to her role as secretary.

She was formerly married to Frederick Smith but later married Eric Drayson.

The lunch club at Bath Road Methodist Church, in Old Town, also held celebrations for Eva ahead of her birthday.