Lorna celebrates with cheeky smile at 102

Greytown's Lorna "Doone" Such has her wicked sense of humour and may be the reason she reached the age of 102 this week.

The centenarian didn't receive a card from the Queen this time around, but family and friends gathered at Greytown Lifecare yesterday afternoon for a special afternoon tea - filled with music and laughter.

Mrs Such was born and grew up in Matarawa, and went to school in Carterton.

She had her own hairdressing business for many years from the age of 18.

"I wouldn't go without my hair being done. It's a very important part of being a woman."

She was married and had two children, now aged 71 and 67, and daughter Jackie Hibbs had made the journey from Upper Hutt for the celebration.

When asked about her longevity, Mrs Such didn't cite health eating or exercise and said her secret was "just being cheeky in life".

"I'm still a chicken at heart," she said.