GLORIA HUNNIFORD,

TV and radio presenter 77, lives in Kent with her husband Stephen Way. She has two sons and four grandsons

she would bake 14 different varieties of bread and share them with all the neighbours.

She instilled in me the importance of hard work, loyalty and discipline and her funny little sayings are constantly replaying in my mind.

Mum would say things like: “Whatever happens in life, always be sure to have a good pair of shoes and a decent bed. If you’re not in one, you’ll probably be in the other.”

3 TEA

The very first thing I do when I get up in the morning is make myself a really strong cup of tea. I then go on to drink countless cups throughout the day and if I’m on set or in a studio, the production team know I can be quite exacting about how I like to drink it.

I hate the herbal stuff and instead I request good oldfashioned builders’ tea, preferably made with PG Tips.

When I was growing up in Northern Ireland, people used to stew their tea and that’s how I like it now – really hot and very strong.

I don’t think I’ll ever be someone who walks through the door after a long day longing for a glass of wine or a gin and tonic. The only thing I ever really crave as I’m unwinding is a cup of tea. It really is the answer to everything.

4 LIPSTICK

When I was a presenter on Radio 2, my colleagues used to laugh at me as I was constantly reapplying my lipstick.

They couldn’t understand why it was of such importance as, obviously, none of the listeners could see me.

But that wasn’t the point. Not only do I hate having dry lips but it was drilled into me from a young age to always look my best. My mother wouldn’t have dreamed of even popping to the corner shop for milk without being fully made-up and presentable and I’m the same.

Once my son Michael was looking for something in my bag and he was amazed by the number of lipsticks I carry around. But the truth is I like to be prepared. No matter where I am in the world there are two things I need with me – heated hair tongs and a ready supply of lipstick.

5 SPANIELS

I lost my beloved spaniel Jemma last year and I was devastated but now we have a gorgeous puppy, another Cavalier King Charles called Holly and she is adorable. She’s a constant source of fun and affection and whenever we have a free day, Stephen and I love getting out into the countryside and taking her for a long, invigorating walk. Gloria Hunniford is fronting retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone’s Inspirational Generation campaign to reward people over 60 for inspiring and helping others. Visit mccarthy andstone.co.uk/ inspirational for more details.