THOSE who argue that humans need meat in their diets should listen to 105-year-old Blanche Mannix, whose life-long vegetarianism certainly hasn't done her any harm.

Blanche, originally from Moose Jaw, Canada, celebrated her 105th birthday on Friday, August 20, surrounded by family and friends at Mallard Court.

Blanche was born shortly after the Wright Brothers took to the skies in the first aeroplane and has lived through two World Wars.

She credits her longevity to her vegetarianism and healthy, non-smoking lifestyle and is still very independent; regularly going out on trips with the Friends of the Elderly and with her family.

Indeed, it was Blanche herself who strode into the Free Press office recently to let us know of her special day.

Sylvia Burnett, the manager of Mallard Court residential home where Blanche has lived for the last year, said that the 105-year-old is still very sprightly.

"She is probably fitter than you or I! She puts it down to being a life-long vegetarian.

"She celebrated her 104th birthday with us last year and we enjoyed throwing another party for her 105th this year," said Sylvia.