A centenarian who celebrated her birthday playing bridge, made a generous donation to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to mark the milestone.

Mollie Smith, from Bourne End, turned 100 last month and to celebrate, donated £175 to the RNLI, a charity that saves lives at sea.

Mrs Smith and her husband spent a number of years on Sark after falling in love with the island on a previous holiday, taking on the management of a guest house.

It was there that she saw the work of lifeboats up close and has been a supporter ever since.

The donation was made to the South Bucks & Thames Branch of the RNLI, with chairman Michael Prager and the branch’s media officer and wife Linda saying they were “very grateful” for the funds.

The RNLI provides lifeguards for more than 240 beaches across the UK and its volunteer lifeboat crews provide a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland, while its flood rescue team helps those affected by flooding.