ELAINE Pickering has lived a courageous life.

The returned World War Two nurse, hospital volunteer and now Alcheringa resident turned 100 on July 6.

When asked how it felt to reach triple digits, Mrs Pickering said it had taken her by surprise.

"I can't believe it," she told The Guardian.

"My mum died at 68 and her mother also died at 68. When I got to 58 I told myself I better start living as...