APPARENTLY, the key to longevity is not drinking, not smoking, and playing rugby!

Well that's if 106-year-old Maria Eley is anything to go by!

Maria, originally of Cogan, but who now lives at the Bella Vista nursing home on Tynewydd Road, Barry, is a fine example of how an energetic lifestyle and an active mind can add years to your life.

Staff at the home, who have known Maria for just short of a year, believe she is the "chattiest" resident at the home.

Maria's daughter Jocelyn Smith said: "I think it is brilliant my mother has reached such an age.

"She looks so well and is in really good health, with the exception of her knees."

Maria married Hector, and had eight children with him, seven of whom are still alive. Hector died in 1973.

She has 22 grandchildren, more great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-grandchild.

Maria had several jobs, including packing parachutes and bookbinding.

But one of Maria's most notable achievements was playing rugby for the Cardiff ladies' team in 1917, when the men had signed up for war.

Maria was, and still is, known in the community of Cogan, chairing the senior citizens' club for 24 years, and calling bingo until the grand age of 101!