NAN Philipson from Okehampton recently celebrated her 104th birthday and puts her long life down to a good appetite and a daily glass of wine.

Nan reached her landmark day last week and raised a glass of red wine as her friends and family showered her with cards and flowers.

She was also visited by Okehampton Mayor Jan Goffey, who said she believed Nan to be the eldest woman in the town.

The Londoner, who retired in Okehampton with her husband Roy around 50 years ago, still enjoys cooking and said that if the Queen came to visit she’d cook her a classic Victoria sandwich.

Nan was born on May 25,­ 1913, before the First World War and in the same year as American President Nixon, activist Rosa Parks, and actors Sid James and Peter Cushing.

Widow Nan spent her special day going for lunch with her son John, who lives 50-miles away and visits her often.

‘I think that a good appetite and a good sense of humour have helped me to live to a good age,’ said Nan.

‘I also have one glass of red wine a day with my lunch — that’s the biggest secret.’

‘I like to keep myself busy by cooking or reading and then I get my head down for a nap in the afternoons.’

Sprightly Nan, who loves to joke, grew up in Richmond, London. She worked as a travelling clerk for national family grocer, Williamsons. Her job allowed her to travel when she carried out administration duties.

‘I loved my job — it was interesting,’ recalled Nan.

‘I got to visit places like Brighton for work. I enjoyed travelling on my own, which many people found strange. But, I enjoyed the independence and sense of freedom that came with travelling around.’

Nan explained that she met her first husband while on a commuter train to work and that he began sending her anonymous flowers at least once a week.

She explained that he was a kind man and that they enjoyed going dancing together, however he sadly died while serving his country during the Second World War.

After several years as a widower, Nan decided to help care for her godson, who she calls her son, by marrying his father and her first husband’s brother, Roy Phillipson.

After many happy years together living in London, the family moved to Okehampton for a quieter life.

‘We had many friends who lived here and we used to visit the area lots on holiday. So, in the end we decided to move to Okehampton ourselves.

‘The town has changed so much over the years. It just keeps on growing. I remember when the little trees were planted near my house, they were so small then. Now, when I look out of my window, I see giant fir trees! It’s surprising where the time goes.’