DESPITE reaching her 100th birthday Freda Ford, who lives at Hatherleigh Care Village, is still full of life and up for a challenge or two.

After reaching her century on October 26, Freda, who lived for many years in Sheepwash, has two unfilled ambitions — one is to learn to swim and the other is to go ski-ing.

Swimming might prove a little tricky but staff at her care home came up with an inspirational idea when it came to the ski-ing — they brought along a Wi-machine to simulate an Alpine experience for Freda, so she can ski down 'the snow-covered slopes' from the safety of her own chair!

Deanne Whittaker, Hatherleigh Care Village activities co-ordinator said: 'Freda is a lovely lady, very sprightly, with a great sense of humour and who lives life to the full. She's a real pleasure to look after.'

When Freda was asked the secret of reaching the magic 100 years she said: 'I put it down to two things — Pond's face cream and whisky!

Freda, who received a congratulatory card from the Queen, enjoyed a party with her friends at the care village.