Playing tombola, staying active and never fighting with friends are some of the secrets to a long and happy life, according to Margaret Roberts who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Sitting cosily in her chair at her Floriana home, with a blanket over her legs, Ms Roberts received a visit from Minister for the Family Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who gave her a bright bunch of flowers. Nine members of Ms Roberts’ family flew in from Canada to celebrate the special occasion, keeping a promise made two years ago.

Packed into her living room, they watched as reporters and a television crew asked Ms Roberts about the secrets to longevity.

Speaking in a light and quiet voice, she said she played a lot of tombola, was always on the go and never fell out with friends.

As testament to keeping fit and active, she said she had even travelled to see the family in Canada and took the long haul flight all alone at the ripe old age of 94.

Reminded of a funny incident, Ms Roberts recalled that after former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff won the election, she had wanted to celebrate but was cautious because her late husband, John, was not keen on politics.

She told him she was going to Mass but instead climbed on to the back of a truck to take part in the victory celebrations, only to be caught on camera and filmed for the evening news – which her husband watched.

Needless to say, he was not very happy.