A BROMLEY woman who took up skiing in her 60s has just celebrated her 100th birthday.

Renee Coleman, of Kemble Drive, attended the surprise celebrations at the Bromley Court Hotel on November 30.

She received her letter from the Queen and was accompanied to a celebratory lunch with 10 friends and family members.

Cousin Patricia Weal, 82, organised the surprise for Miss Coleman and said: "Renee’s had an amazing life. She worked for the High Commission of Canada in London, lived through the Blitz and was shown the declaration of peace, which finished the war, before it was made public.

"She was described by former colleagues as the 'glue' which held the commission together. And in her 60s, she took up skiing so she's packed a lot into her life."