AN "overwhelmed" centenarian celebrated among dozens of friends at a surprise do.

Connie Day, of Clacton, received a shock when at her usual coffee morning at St James' Church hall, she found a happy birthday banner on the door and a room packed with people.

What made her smile even wider was being sung 'Happy Birthday' by the children from Little Jimmy's Pre-School next door.

The youngsters brought a large homemade card to add to several bouquets of flowers Connie received, and a large cake decorated with iced dogs - perfect for an animal-lover.

"It was overwhelming. I didn't expect any of it all," she said.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Connie moved from Thorpe-le-Soken to Clacton about 20 years ago after her parents died.

Her mum had originally moved the family from Cambridge, where Connie was born.

Reaching 100 had never been a concern for Connie. Her secret to a long life is simply taking it one day at a time.

She said: "I never thought I'd get to be this age but then it never crossed my mind how long I'd live.

"I've had an ordinary life and there are no fancy recipes, I just live for today."

Friends Colin Bruce, of Little Clacton, and Alan Codling, of Holland-on-Sea, laughed as they described Connie as an "independent lady".

She is also a tough cookie having been knocked over by a car some years ago and airlifted to hospital, plus breaking her hip last year - "I was lifting up a recycling box!"

Mr Codling, who has known Connie for 35 years, said: "To get to be 100 has to be inspirational.

"It's absolutely brilliant."

Peter Luckin, who helped plan Connie's surprise, added: "She never seems phased by anything, Connie takes it all in her stride but she really enjoyed her birthday."