NYNEHEAD Court resident Katalin Shirley-Smith, who celebrated her 100th birthday this week, puts her long life down to good genes.

Katalin was born in Hungary and moved to France and then England in the 1930s. She met her architect husband Robin at Liverpool University and they were married for 49 years. They moved to Taunton in 1950 with two small sons.

Katalin has had an interesting life, speaking several languages. She assisted in a Hungarian refugee camp on the Austrian border in 1956 and had a fulfilling career working as a radiographer in Exeter and Taunton.

She also worked for the Training Board for the furniture industry. She was an Age UK representative from 1997 to 2013 and representatives from the organisation visited her on her birthday.

Katalin has travelled extensively, both with her husband and since his death, notably on cargo ships, including through the Panama Canal.

In her later life she continues to keep active mentally and physically, and on Saturday staff and residents at Nynehead Court held a party in her honour.

Katalin’s five grandchildren were at her 100th birthday party with their spouses, travelling from the French Alps, Norfolk, Sheffield and London.

Her eight great-grandchildren, ranging in age from four to 12, were also there and enjoyed the magician.

Home manager Angela Watkins said: “We were delighted to host a party to celebrate Katalin’s 100th birthday. She says her long life comes from good genes, as her mother lived to 103, so we look forward to celebrating more birthdays with her.”