Catherine on her clothes as a child...

When I was young, I used to get hand-me-downs because I had two older sisters. As we went on, I had a younger sister, and she used to get my clothes. When the war broke out clothes were only available on coupons, then it was AMEN to my clothes shopping days because coupons were very scarce. We then had to make sure that what we bought was of good quality and made to last. I remember my mother telling me when I was young at college and wearing a lot of black, "Why do you always wear black? Wear some colourful clothes; you can wear black when you're old" Now, I only wear colours!

As there are no clothes shops locally, where do you buy your clothes?

I sit here at night and watch the television, the Shopping Channel. I sit here and spend hundreds of pounds without even leaving my chair! Sometimes I have to think about what I've ordered that day! If you could only see the postman, he knows me very well! If I feel a little down, the only thing I need to do is switch on the television and I forget about my troubles. I'm happy then.

Do you remember what your husband wore the first time you met?

We met in a dance at the Army barracks in Wrexham; he'd just returned form India. He was stationed in Burma, India for nearly five years. Oh, they were smart, all of them officers, all of them smart. He had his shoes hand made in India and bought a few pairs back with him; they lasted for years and looked very smart. I always used to tell him; "I didn't marry you, I married your uniform"!

What's the story behind this colourful dress?

I bought this dress when my husband was in hospital, he said to me, "Go and buy something to cheer you up". This is what I bought. It doesn't fit me anymore, back then I was quiet slim, 36-24-36, but those times have gone. But I keep the dress for sentimental value; I could never throw it away.

You did some modeling when you were young.

When I was in Cardiff, I used to go to the tea dances in Howells and Roberts when they had the mannequin parades.

Were you in heaven amongst all those clothes?

Of course! We used to get the clothes cheaply, well cheaper! That was a big deal in those days.

What do you do every Christmas?

Lately I go and stay at a hotel for five days over Christmas on my own. The main thing is what I get to wear. I usually take three outfits with me for each day. I write a list of what I'm going to wear, so and so, and what I' m going to wear with them. Shoes, tights, everything in different colours, and then I make a list of everything.

What's the secret of looking so young?

Secret? I do a lot of crosswords puzzles every day if that helps. Try and be happy. I take a lot of supplements, vitamins to keep me going. It doesn't matter how old you are you should always look after yourself. Try whatever, and try and look as young as possible at my age.