Guinness is the secret to long life

9:59am Wednesday 10th September 2008

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IF YOU want to live to 100 years old Bertha Hyde recommends a healthy dose of Guinness.

The 100-year-old celebrated her birthday on Monday with a pint of the Irish stout, her favourite tipple.

"A pint of Guinness is good for you, that’s what they say, so maybe that is the secret to living so long," said Mrs Hyde, originally from Weymouth, but now living in Stinchcombe manor care home, near Dursley.

She was one of seven children, with four sisters and two brothers, born in London.

She has lived through two wars but she says she cannot remember what happened during them.

"All I can remember is hiding under the table in my home and bombs going off all around," said Mrs Hyde.

Later in life she moved to Chippenham, in Wiltshire, with her husband John Marshall Hyde.

"He worked as a projectionist at a cinema and sometimes I would go down and help him, it was quite fun changing the films so no one noticed," said Mrs Hyde, who celebrated her birthday with friends at the care home with a party and lots of cake.

She was thrilled to receive a signed card from the Queen congratulating her on reaching 100 years of age.

But Mrs Hyde said she is not sure how she has managed to live so long and still be in such good health.

"I have been very lucky and I don’t really know why," said Mrs Hyde. "I have always been healthy and fit – and I never smoked.

"I have always liked a game of bowls, I was very good at it in fact, but I think I am just lucky.

"Maybe it is the Guinness that has kept me healthy, I have heard it is good for you," added Mrs Hyde.