A HAPPY marriage, the support of a devoted family, and working hard have helped a Greenock woman reach the age of 100.

Jean Goodfellow, known as Jenny, celebrates her big birthday today.

Jenny, who lives in Greenock's east end, is very modest about reaching her century.

But she's in no doubt that her marriage of more than 60 years and her two sons have helped her live a long life.

Jenny said: "I stay myself now and have knee problems but I just take each day as it comes.

"I had a very happy marriage until I lost my husband 13 years ago.

"We made it to our diamond wedding.

"I have two fantastic sons and a great family."

Jenny was born in Greenock on July 27 in 1920 to parents Elizabeth and Edward Smith and had a brother, also Edward.

She grew up in East Blackhall Street and attended Cartsburn School in Orchard Street.

After leaving school, Jenny worked for cooper and tin box manufacturer John Drummond and Sons.

During the war, she worked at the torpedo factory at Battery Park and in the American Canteen in Terrace Road.

After the conflict, Jenny returned to Drummond & Sons and stayed there for many years.

Prior to her retirement, she was at Greenock Academy as a teacher and domestic assistant.

Jenny lived in Belville Street from 1939 until 1958 and was in Pennyfern Road from 1958 until 1965, moving from there to her current home.

The Greenock girl met Gordon Goodfellow, who served in the Royal Navy, on a ship visit to Greenock in 1940 and the couple married two years later at Elim Pentecostal Church.

They had two sons, Gordon and Raymond, and now have three grandchildren - Lynn, Graham and Alicia - and one great-grandson, George.

Jenny's husband Gordon sadly passed away in 2007 after the couple had been married for 65 years.

She has carers twice a day to help with her medication but is able to live well on her own with regular visits from her family.

Her granddaughter Lynn said: "My gran is a wonderful person.

"Her and my grandad loved their holidays, especially cruises.

"They had a caravan across the water that they loved too.

"Staying on her own at 100 is just incredible.

"She's such a kind and giving woman and would do anything for anyone."