A 103-year-old woman says that a daily handful of walnuts with gin and tonic is the key to her long life.

Stella Monks says walnuts have helped her live long

Stella Monks says walnuts have helped her live long

Science also suggests that Monks has a diet as walnuts are packed with healthy nutrients and are linked to a reduction in cholesterol and heart disease.

In addition, the gin contains juniper berries which are great anti-oxidants to fend off illnesses.

Monks now lives in a housing complex run by the Warrington Housing Association in Cheshire and the organisation wrote a birthday message to mark her special day.

It said: "Happy 103rd birthday to Stella. She is our kind of woman. Our Independent Living Co-ordinator Kimberley Flynn dropped in with flowers from all of us."