'I've never had a takeaway' - Lincolnshire resident gives secret to long life as she turns 100

Katriye Sefkat Ariel was born on April 11, 1926 – just 10 days before the late Queen Elizabeth II, in the same year that John Logie Baird publicly demonstrated his ‘televisor’, the prototype for television.

Katriye attributes her longevity to a lifetime of home-cooking and careful food choices.

“I’ve never had a takeaway,” she said. “I’ve always stuck to an organic diet, with as many fruit and vegetables as possible and always cooked food from scratch.”

Born in Cyprus, Katriye would later move to London with her husband, who worked for a British company, and spend more than 70 years down south, raising her family.

To be closer to her son, who lives in Sleaford, she relocated to Sleaford Hall care home earlier this year.

She marked her special day at the care home with family, carers and fellow residents.

Guests enjoyed a spread of dishes from Cyprus to pay homage to Katriye’s commitment to home-cooked Mediterranean meals.

A lover of music, especially songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s, the celebration also featured her favourite music, plus a homemade birthday cake prepared by head chef Jeanpaul Harden Everitt.

Katriye, who has three sons in total, plus a daughter, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, said: “I am proud to have reached 100 and think fondly of the loved ones I have outlived.

“Thank you to everyone at Sleaford Hall for making me feel so special at 100.”

Levent, one of Katriye’s sons, said: “Mum was in tears today when the staff presented her with a cake and her birthday surprise – it was lovely to see her so happy.”

Home manager at Sleaford Hall Sherin Kandi added: “Katriye is very proud of her Mediterranean roots and enjoys traditional food, so we wanted to make a big nod to this on her special day.

“It is a privilege to celebrate such a milestone with her, and her birthday party brought all the residents together which was wonderful to see.”