Not drinking or smoking and only having one man in her life was the secret to longevity, said Mary Ireland as she celebrated her 100th birthday.
Born at Mosedale House, Mungrisdale on May 6, 1921, Mary’s parents were Wilson and Laura Martin, who ran the family farm.
Mary was the second eldest of four sisters — Bertha, Ruby and Ella — and is the sole survivor.
She attended school at Mungrisdale until 14 and worked on the family farm through the war.
She met her future husband, Reg, at a local dance and they married in 1945, moving to their own farm at Watermillock, near Ullswater.
Mary worked full-time at the farm until she retired to a converted property in the village.
In 1999 she moved to Penrith.
Mary celebrated her landmark birthday with family and friends and received a birthday message from the Queen.
