HARD work leads to long life according to Primrose Cottage resident Margaret Booth -- and she should know as she celebrates her 106th birthday tomorrow.

Miss Booth, who is the eldest resident at the old folks' home on Hudcar Lane by 10 years, has lived in Bury all her life and used to work at Peel Mills.

The eldest daughter of the Booth family, she had four sisters and two brothers and before moving to Primrose Cottage in 1995 shared a house with some of her siblings off Chesham Road.

Many years ago her parents would have been well known in the town. Her father was a local carter and her mother ran a confectioners shop on Walmersley Road.

Miss Booth, known to many as Maggie, is a "well-spirited" member of the home and will enjoy a party in her honour with the rest of the 23 residents.

Deputy manager Diane McDonald said: "We will have a small celebration with cake and sherry. There will be music and dancing but Maggie probably won't be joining in!"

There will also be flowers and presents for the birthday girl but she is not expecting any telegrams as she has already received two -- for her 100th and 105th milestones.