A Swindon mother who shot down German bombs in World War Two has celebrated her 100th birthday this week.

Barbara 'Mollie' Secret, who lives in Old Town, moved to Swindon around 50 years ago having been born in Devon.

She celebrated her 100th birthday on January 30, and her son Robert shared an insight into her biggest passions.

“She is very extroverted and used to love being in plays as well as singing with the Swindon Choral Society,” said the 74-year-old.

Swindon Advertiser: Mollie in the 1980s.Mollie in the 1980s. (Image: Robert Secret)

“She was also a very keen amateur artist and used to give painting classes as it is one of her many talents.

“She used to play the piano too and was always happy to attend my own music concerts as I am a conductor and viola player.

“My mum is very much a doer with lots of hobbies but she hasn’t been able to do these things for a couple of years as she has got quite frail now.”

Mollie was very active during the Second World War and even had a lucky escape while firing down German bombs in the 1940s.

“During WW2 my mother was on the defences that helped spot and shoot down V1 & V2 rockets,” revealed Robert.

Swindon Advertiser: Robert Secret is inspired by his mother.Robert Secret is inspired by his mother. (Image: Robert Secret)

“She was on the coastal defences in the South East against the rocket bombs that the Germans were sending over.

“She operated the radar and was dead lucky to live through it as one of the bombs landed next door to where she was staying but it didn’t go off.”

Mollie married Robert’s father Kenneth in the 1940s and later moved to Swindon with him after he was hired as the headmaster of Pinehurst Secondary School in the 1970s.

“When my father took over in Swindon, it was very much Old Town and New Town,” added Robert.

“Pinehurst was quite a challenge as I got the impression that he took on quite a task which he quite enjoyed.

Swindon Advertiser: The card that the family received from the King.The card that the family received from the King. (Image: Robert Secret)

“My mum was a full-time housewife but was active in her community and was married to my father for over 30 years until his death in 1978.

“She had a lot of friends so she wanted to stay put in Swindon.”

Mollie was particularly excited to receive a card from the King as part of her 100th celebrations.

“She was delighted about the card as she was excited about it and asking me if she was going to receive one,” added Robert.

“I tried not keep it a secret but I had to reveal it in the end.”