ONE 100th birthday is always special ...

but these friends are marking a double celebration.

Elsie Wilson and Ina Anderson were surrounded by friends in their Pollokshaws sheltered housing complex as they both hit a century.

The two ladies said they were delighted to have made the milestone - but each put their longetivity down to very different secrets.

For Elsie her top tip for a long life is porridge, while Ina swears by "good living and being a Methodist."

Though her pals piped up: "She likes a wee half."

Elsie, originally from Kinning Park, has lived in Glasgow all her life and her daughter, Elspeth McDowall, said she was hugely popular in her local chippie.

Elspeth, 58, said: "She worked in an Italian-owned fish and chip shop and she was really popular with all the customers.

"I think she had a good time there.

"My mum is still really independent and lively. It's great to see her turning 100."

Elsie, a mum-of-three, has nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

Born on May 11, 1914, she has been living in the Trust Housing Development for the past four years.

Ina, also a mum-of-three, will welcome relatives from as far afield as Canada and America when she marks her milestone birthday for a second time with a family party on May 31.

Ina grew up in Tollcross but moved to the South Side around 40 years ago and has been in sheltered housing for the past 10 years.

Ina's husband William died in 2006, at the age of 96.

Extremely independent, her son David said he has only just persuaded his mum to let him employ a cleaner for a couple of hours a week - but she insists on still doing her own washing.

David, 67, said: "She's as sharp as anything - she runs rings around us. She uses a stick but besides that she's very healthy and independent.

"It will be wonderful to get all the family together for her birthday. We tried to keep it a secret for as long as possible but she knows about the party now and she's really looking forward to it."

Anita Lowing, supported housing co-ordinator for Trust Housing Association, said: "We are delighted to be part of the 100th birthday celebrations for Elsie and Ina.

"It's great to see them enjoying themselves with their friends.

"This is very special for us as it's the first time we've had two people mark their 100th birthdays at the same time.

"They are a great pair of ladies and so sprightly that they put me to shame."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk