Keeping your chin up is the secret to a long life, according to a Mitcham woman who has just reached a grand old age.

Ida Johnson celebrated her 95th birthday with a surprise party at the Taylor Road Day Centre last Friday.

Ms Johnson said the key to her long life was a healthy diet, moderate exercise and positive mental attitude.

She is a member of the Positive Network Group, a social club which meets at the centre.

The group’s director, Grace Salmon, said: “It is a real pleasure to work with Ida.

"We call her Mother Ida, because she is a real inspiration to us all.

"She talks to the group on being positive and taking life at a slow pace.”