SHE might have been deemed the "weakling" of her family by doctors, but Ada Grant is proving them wrong this weekend as she celebrates her 100th birthday.
When she was a child, Ada's parents were warned she was weaker than her six brothers and sisters and was "unlikely to see old bones".
But fast-forward the best part of a century and she will be celebrating her milestone birthday with family and friends tomorrow.
She said: "They said I wouldn't live very long because I was always poorly, but I've shown it can be done.
"I'm looking forward to seeing all my family for my birthday – I don't need any presents if I've got them."
Born in Cleethorpes in 1913, Ada attended Barcroft Street School before serving at Noble's Sweet Shops, where she worked for the rest of her career.
She met and married late husband William, who passed away 40 years ago, and the couple had two children – Anita and Wendy, who passed away five years ago, aged 70.
She now has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Anita, 70, of Holton-le-Clay, has arranged for the family to visit Garden House Care Home, in Humberston Avenue, New Waltham, where Ada now lives, for a birthday party tomorrow.
Ada lived in York Place, Cleethorpes, until five years ago when daughter Wendy passed away.
Anita said her mum is in good health for her age and has amazed everyone by living to 100.
The former hairdresser said: "When mum was younger she was ill a lot and the doctor said she was a weakling and would never live to an old age.
"She's certainly proved them wrong!
"I think people lived healthier lifestyles when she was younger.
"They walked or rode bikes everywhere and she has never smoked or drunk.
"Her real interests in life have been animals and children – in that order.
"The house was always full of cats and dogs. She had everything from pedigree breeds to Heinz 57s and she loved looking after them all."
Ada was due to receive a card from the Queen this morning, congratulating her on reaching her centenary year.
