A healthy diet, exercise and avoiding the evil weed all increase our chances of a long life – but perhaps being called Mary should be added to the list.

The name is a common thread linking three women who go to the same club and who are all celebrating their 100th birthday this year.

Mary Kitchen, Mary Watson and Mary Avison, marked their centenaries together at a Christmas party thrown by a charity which helps all of them.

The three women, who live in Rawdon and Yeadon, attended the event organised by Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly with Disabilities.

Mrs Kitchen, whose birthday was in August, is the oldest of the group – with the other two celebrating their birthdays in December.