A GREENOCK lady proved she is still the life and soul of the party as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Agnes Porteous still lives on her own with her devoted family popping in and out to help care for her.

On her special day yesterday she was surrounded by all her loved ones as she received her telegram from the Queen.

Former factory worker Agnes told the Tele that her secret to staying healthy is ‘an occasional brandy and one paracetamol before she goes to bed’.

Reflecting on her big day she joked: “I don’t know what all the fuss is for, this is only the beginning!

“I love a wee brandy or a whisky, it keeps me going.

“It was a lovely to have all my friends and family visit. They are all very kind and look after me. I am very spoiled.”

Agnes, who never married, is devoted to her family and her church, St Mary’s RC.

She was born on 19 February 1917, the youngest of seven in a close-knit family, and grew up in Dalrymple Street.

As a young woman she worked in a number of jobs, with spells at Lawson Lemonade and as a paint-sprayer in Gibbs Stuart.

Her niece Nan Reid said: “She is great with a wonderful sense of humour.

Everyone just absolutely loves her. She has always kept in good health and the only medication she ever needs is one paracetamol before she goes to her bed.

“She  lives on her own, but we are always in and out. We all look after her and pop around. She is never on her own.

“She is so caring though that she wants to look after everyone else!”

Agnes’ beloved family includes nephews Donald, Joseph, his wife Betty, nieces Nan and Maureen, her niece-in-law Betty, her great niece Joyce, her partner Robert Cameron and her great niece Helen.

To mark the occasion Agnes enjoyed a party with all her friends and family.