A woman has spoken of her memories of living in Walthamstow all her life as she turns 100 this month.

Lily Collins, of Ringwood Road, who has two children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, is celebrating her centenary with a party on February 27.

She was born in Gosport Road in 1916 and attended Thomas Gamuel Infants School and Edinburgh Road School before leaving at 14.

Mrs Collins worked for Westcott’s Laundry in Chingford, before working for shoe shops in High Street, Walthamstow.

She married her husband Tom, who sadly died in 1987 storms, in 1938 and moved to Ringwood Road permanently in 1959.

Despite making her 100th birthday, Mrs Collins said she was lucky to survive World War Two.

Between October 7, 1940, and June 6, 1941, 745 bombs were dropped in Waltham Forest.

She was living in Evelyn Road but staying at her mother’s house in Ringwood Road.

She said: “My house in Evelyn Road was completely destroyed, it was so lucky I was at my mother’s at the time.

“I knew two people who risked it and were on their way to the pictures but were killed by a direct hit at the top of the High Street.

"It was very sad."

Mrs Collins said Walthamstow has changed beyond recognition and spoke of her memories of the community spirit in the High Street.

She said: “It used to have a good market in the high street but it has changed down there now.

“I miss it, it was always busy with people all over the place and you could buy anything there.

“It was a community and everyone was friendly and stall holders all knew the names of the others.

“Over the years it has changed.”

The secret to living a long life is simple according to Mrs Collins.

She said: “I didn’t think I would get to this age, I have been very lucky with my health.

“I have never smoked and always worked, I think those things are important.

“My family all look after me and I don’t have to worry about anything.”