She has seen five monarchs, 20 different Prime Ministers and lived through two World Wars.

These days, Daisy Rayner, who celebrated her 108th birthday today, lives at The Franklyn, a nursing home in Ilkley, said playing golf had probably helped her reach a grand old age.

Asked of the secret behind her longevity, she said: “You have got to be cheerful and have good food and a good living.”

Mrs Rayner was married to husband William for nearly 35 years and has been a widow since 1963. She has a daughter, Judy, 75, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.