FOR Alice Sutton, Friday 13th wasn't unlucky - it was her 100th birthday.

Alice, who was born in Raglan, celebrated her birthday with her family in Tregwilym Lodge Residential Home in Rogerstone this weekend.

Among the many cards and flowers were telegrams from the Queen and First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

Her son, Frank Sutton, 76, said Alice's secret was keeping busy: "Mum was always doing something, always working," he said, "She's a remarkable woman."

Alice used to run the Ship Hotel in Raglan with her late husband, Frank. When Frank died over 40 years ago Alice took over the running of the hotel. She lived in Raglan all her life until two years ago, when she moved into the home.

At the age of 70, Alice's daughter Maureen died, and Alice started looking after her four-year-old granddaughter Michelle. Michelle, now in her thirties, said: "Gran was brilliant. She's kept active all her life, and was a great home-maker when I was a child."

Alice's three sisters Mabel, Edith and Ada all lived into their nineties, and her two brothers Harry and Dai, and her half brother Tom all lived into their seventies.

But Alice, the second youngest in the family, has outlived them all.

Despite being ill in her early years, Alice is in remarkable health for her old age. So what does it feel like to be 100?

Alice said: "I don't know. I haven't really felt it yet. But it's very exciting."