Toy boy at 100th birthday

Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

New Zealander Mavis Cook turned 100 this week at her apartment in the Sydney suburb of Marsfield - with her 91-year-old "toy boy" on her arm.

Ms Cook turned down a marriage proposal when she was a sprightly 95 as she didn't want to be tied down, but five years on, she has an adoring boyfriend in John Clarke, 91, the Daily Telegraph reported.

A champion roller skater in her youth, the former tailor - wearing a dress she made herself - said her secret to living to 100 was taking part in sports.