ALL her life, Alice Leaf has taken a daily dose of cod liver oil.

Today, she is celebrating her 100th birthday.

The centenarian's family and friends at the Fordlands residential care home in Fordlands Road threw a party for her earlier this week - and invited along the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Looker, to join in.

Alice, who used to be landlady at the Phoenix Inn in George Street, has always lived in York.

Jessie Clithero, an assistant at the home, said: "Alice still lives independently, but she has been coming here once a week to meet her friends for the last nine years. In all that time she's only ever missed two days.

"She had a great time with all her friends and family at the party on Tuesday, and even the Lord Mayor popped in to see her with a card and a bouquet of flowers."

Revealing the secret of her longevity, Alice said: "Good company, a stress-free life, always keep laughing - and, of course, a tablespoon of cod liver oil every day."

Updated: 10:11 Friday, January 21, 2005