A RESIDENT at a care home in Basingstoke has celebrated turning 102-years-old. 

Annie Gargaro, a resident of Dashwood Manor, in Bradley Way, marked the occasion on Sunday, March 24 with balloons, banners, a cake and a local entertainer.

Annie says her secret to her long life is to 'live for the other', speaking of her husband Michael, whom she met at the age of 17 and was married to for 74 years.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Annie with her family

Michael and Annie had five children together, three boys, and two girls, calling family 'very important'. She now has 10 grandchildren.

Starting work at the age of 17, Annie worked as a secretary, which she described as 'boring', before taking up a job at a biscuit factory where she ate biscuits on the job, saying that she was 'amazed she was never caught'.

She was born in 1922 in Berlano, Scotland, and is 'very proud' of her Scottish heritage.

Annie loved school, particularly geometry, algebra and French, and enjoyed playing ball games after school, being named the 'champion of champions' by her fellow students.

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Annie said: “I’m enjoying being 102! It was great to celebrate with my family and friends.”

Dil Perera, home manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “Annie is a ray of sunshine here at Dashwood Manor, and it was wonderful to help her celebrate this impressive milestone.

“We work hard to support residents to lead fulfilling lives here at Dashwood Manor, and marking special occasions and birthdays plays a huge part in this. We love any excuse to celebrate the fantastic people living here and Annie’s birthday was no exception.

“Annie is a much-loved resident at the home, and we are privileged to have her as part of our Dashwood Manor family. Happy Birthday to you Annie!”