Crossword 'is clue to a long life'

Beatrice Rogers from Great Barr has done the crossword every night for 50 years and thinks it has helped to keep her mind active. The grandmother of 11, great-grandmother of 16 and great-great-grandmother of 10 turned 100 yesterday with a celebration at her home surrounded by family.

She worked at her late husband Leonard's scrap metal firm, L O Rogers & Sons, keeping the books until she was 84 years old.

Born in Brades Village in Oldbury, her mother worked hard as a cleaner to keep the family fed after Mrs Roger's father died when she was just three years old.

She remembers everyone being sent to work in ammunition factories when the First World War broke out.

Mrs Rogers had four children with Leonard, whom she describes as "golden", but three of them, Vera, Brian and Gordon, have all passed away. Only Michael, who is now in his 60s, is still alive.

Yesterday's party was organised by her grandchildren including auxiliary nurse Deb Ebanks, 49, and former St John Bosco RC primary school headteacher Lorraine Petersen, 52.

Mrs Rogers said: "I don't think it's a secret how I got to 100, I was just good to myself. I enjoy a tot of whiskey as well and sometimes take a little brandy in my tea.

"I have always done the crossword and I have to make sure I finish it."

Grandaughter Deb said: "She is just a fantastic nan and she always has been."