One of Northern Ireland’s oldest women has revealed her secrets to a long and prosperous life - long walks and raspberry ice-cream!
East Belfast's Agnes Thompson celebrated her 107th birthday on Friday, surrounded by family and friends.
Agnes said it meant a lot to be with loved ones on her special day as a grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of 11 and great-great-grandmother of 13.
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She is a resident of Strathearn Court Care Home on the Belmont Road, where the caring and friendly staff have looked after her and her needs every day over the past three years.
Agnes was born on September 2 1915 to Tommy and Mary Proctor and named after her father's sister. She grew up at the family home on Ravensdale Street and attended Euston Street Primary School.
Agnes married Rabbie Thompson in 1938 and the couple had two sons, Roy and Ralph. Sadly she lost her husband in 1989 at the age of 75 and both of her sons, who lived until their 80s, in more recent years.
Throughout her long life, she worked at the local mill and in jam, sweet, and hoover factories.
Agnes has lived through two pandemics, two world wars, the reigns of three Kings and the present Queen.
It is tradition to receive a birthday message from the Queen on turning 100, and on Friday, Agnes received her seventh card.
Still mentally sharp and alert, her granddaughter Jean Hill believes a positive attitude has helped to carry Agnes through to reach the age of 107.
"My grandparents had a great life together and went everywhere together. They had friends right across the divide and loved being out and about," she told Belfast Live.
"Her and grandad would have thought nothing of walking to Comber from their home in Dundonald, in the days before the Greenway.
"She has always loved her ice-cream too and still takes an interest in everything ,which I think has served her well through her long life. She's still in good health and has even survived Covid twice!
"The staff here in the care home look after her so well and despite being their oldest resident, she's one of the more lively ones. We're so proud of her as a family for reaching this milestone age and for granny, family has always come first," Jean added.
“It's lovely to have the family all with me here today," Agnes added.
And when asked if she had any tips for longevity, her reply was simple: “Be clean, perfect and happy.”
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