AN inspirational great gran who has celebrated her 101st birthday says the secret to her longevity is 'going with the Flo'.

Florence Lee, who was born on July 30 in 1917, marked her milestone at Marchmont Care Home on Monday surrounded by her family and friends.

Florence, who was hill walking late into her 90s, said she feels blessed to reach her 101st birthday.

She said: "It's a wonderful occasion to reach this stage in my life.

"I'm very lucky to have my health - that's the main thing.

"I have got a very caring son and daughter-in-law who take good care of me and see that I have everything that I need.

"If they think there's anything not quite right, they very quickly phone the doctor or the nurse."

Florence, who was also a keen cyclist, says she is still very active.

She said: "I don't see the sense in sitting back and doing nothing.

"I like to keep active, not as much as I used to but I still walk to the tea room and back every day.

"I don't sit around too much."

Reminiscing about her life, Florence, who worked at Barr and Stroud, a scientific manufacturer, said she can still remember the moment she met her late husband Ron, who worked as a chauffeur.

She said: "When I first met my husband, I was in a dance hall in Glasgow and my husband was there.

"I didn't think he would pay me any attention but then he came over and asked me to dance.

"And the rest is history."

The couple married and settled in Ron's native Essex for about 40 years where they had their son Alan.

Ron sadly passed away 30 years ago.

Before moving to Marchmont Care Home last November, Florence latterly lived in the Isle of Bute to be near her family.

Her niece Margaret Maxwell, said Florence, who has two grandchildren and two great grandchildren, is an inspiration to everyone.

She said: "She was always a very good cyclist and was walking right up until she was in her nineties.

"When she was about 91 or 92 she climbed Benmore in Dunoon with me.

"She has also travelled to New Zealand and America and she learned to swim in her sixties.

"She's also very artistic."

Florence's son Alan says he is in awe of his incredible mum.

He said: "She takes all her aches and pains in her stride and never makes too much fuss about growing old.

"She never complains."

Carol-Anne McAllister, who is a care assistant at the Port Glasgow based care home, said Florence, who is their oldest resident, is an absolute joy to be around.

She said: "She's great for 101.

"She walks around and does most things for herself - she's very independent.

"Florence is also very funny and has a great sense of humour."

To celebrate Florence's special birthday on Monday, she enjoyed spending time with her son Alan and his wife Cath as well as her niece Margaret Maxwell and friend Betty Titterton.