She's never drank or smoked, she loves chocolate, keeping active and reading romantic novels.

These could just be the reasons why great-gran Hilda Luck has just celebrated her 108th birthday. And she even toasted her amazing milestone big day with a small cocktail.

Hilda, believed to be Kent's second and Medway's oldest resident, was chauffeur-driven to a family lunch by the taxi firm which has taken her for her weekly shop from her Rainham home for more than 60 years.

She was treated to a meal at the Queen's Head in Wigmore attended by eight guests including her son Ronnie and his wife Vanessa who are visiting from South Africa.

The remarkable centenarian showed her strength and independence from an early age when she became one of the first female welders at Chatham Dockyard. It was at the yard she met her late husband Ronald, a boiler maker.

Her father was also employed at the former naval base as a fitter and turner and when she was about four the family were transferred to the navy's base in Rosyth, Scotland.

On their return, they settled in Rainham where, later, Hilda and Ronald raised their two sons Ronnie and David, now aged 76 and 74 respectively.

Ronnie said: " She always harboured a love of the town and has lived in the same house for years, partly because she loves gardening and she has a big garden."

Hilda, who has been widowed for more than 20 years, was an active member of the Rainham Fuchsia Society, her blooms winning several awards.

The couple visited Ronnie at his home near Johannesburg on numerous occasions and at the age of 94, she travelled there alone after her husband died.

He said: "She has always looked after herself and kept up her appearance. Every two to three weeks the taxi would take her to the same hairdresser to have her hair done.

"She is also very active and keeps up with the news. She has a remarkable memory and tells wonderful stories of her past."

Ronnie added: "She really loved her meal. I'm amazed how much she packed away – a starter, chicken, birthday cake and a cocktail."

Hilda has three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

One of them, seven-year-old Sophia presented her a memory book with signed pictures of her family.

Ronnie said the present will take pride of place at her bungalow along with the cards she has received from the Queen since her 100th birthday.

For decades Hilda has used Rainham Cabs for her weekly food shop at the town's precinct and trips to the hair salon.

The firm, which has been taken over by the long-established Vokes company, paid her fare to the pub in Maidstone Road on her birthday on Saturday and also contributed towards the bill.

Vokes boss Lance Ridden, said: "It's lovely to see Hilda hold on to her independence after all these years. It's a pleasure to treat such a loyal customer."