A care home resident in Chingford has revealed the secrets to her longevity on reaching her 103rd birthday.

Victoria Antoniou, who lives at Care UK's Ivy Grove in Hatch Lane, said that always having her family around her was "key" to reaching more than 100 years old.

Another tip she had for looking youthful was: "Forget face creams, only use water to wash your face."

To celebrate her milestone birthday on November 14, the Ivy Grove team organised a surprise party with her family and friends.

The home's head chef also prepared a special birthday cake for the occasion.

Victoria, who was born in Kalopsia, Cyprus, in 1921, often travelled on a donkey to sell clothing to support her family.

She moved to London in 1960 with her husband Antonis and worked in the canteen at Whipps Cross Hospital.

The mum-of-seven now has 25 grandchildren and 61 great-grandchildren, who regularly visit her at Ivy Grove.

Jacob Mante, general manager at Ivy Grove, said: "We were so excited to celebrate such a joyous day with Victoria.

"As a much-loved resident, it was wonderful to mark this tremendous milestone with her and all her family."