A no-nonsense former World War II nurse has revealed her secret to keeping young as she marks her 101st birthday.

Edna Twivey is not slowing down and continues to live an independent lifestyle, having recently returned from a Scandinavian cruise and gearing up for a river cruise in Holland next month.

The fearless centenarian, from Strathaven, credits everlasting love to keeping her going.

After meeting her husband David, 90, over 60 years ago at a Scottish country dancing class, the pair are still enjoying life together. 

Edna said: “Family is everything and David, is my rock. The love we have keeps us both young!”

After many years of looking after other people - and keeping the soldiers in line - as a nurse, Edna is now receiving care at South Lanarkshire Council's Health and Social Care Partnership's Day Services sessions.

The service aims to keep people active as well as reduce loneliness and isolation, and staff recently held a special birthday party for Edna and her family.

She said: “As a nurse all my working life, and during the testing times of war, I was always focussed on providing care.

“Now the tables have turned.

"I’m a recipient of support, and benefitting from the added reassurance of being connected to a community in Strathaven and here in Stonehouse.

“The Service really has been a godsend and the party that’s been laid on is typical of the thoughtfulness of staff and fellow service users here.”

Edna’s Day Services key worker, Angela Alexander, said: “During WWII Edna nursed in a London hospital, she reminisces how she would not stand for any of the soldiers’ misbehaviour and would scold them and sternly order them back to bed!

"Of course, they did as they were told.

“Edna will say to staff ‘I used to do the same job as you and now it’s my turn to be looked after’.

“She is always very appreciative and will frequently thank staff for all they do.”

Among the guests at the 101st birthday celebrations was Provost Margaret Cooper, who thinks of Edna as an inspiration. 

She said: "It was an absolute pleasure to meet Edna and a joy to be able to spend part of her special day with her. It was obvious how well thought-of she is by all the service users and staff at Stonehouse Lifestyles.

“David is absolutely devoted to her and that was lovely to see as well. Congratulations to Edna!"

Soumen Sengupta, director of health and social care for South Lanarkshire, added: “Edna and David’s zest for life is truly infectious.

“Huge credit to our Day Service staff at Stonehouse Lifestyles for the effort invested in making this such a special event for the couple.

“It was great to see service users from across the area, and indeed generations, come together to celebrate with them.

“This was another reminder of the vital role that our exemplary social care staff are playing in supporting people to live out incredible lives right across the communities of South Lanarkshire.”