Wha's like us... Ella Bulloch

FOR many there is a growing fear that we will have to work on into our eighth and ninth decades to make sure there is enough in the pension pot, thereby running out of time to enjoy the sun, garden and grandchildren.

Not Ella Bulloch, At the age of 96 the milliner is still going strong, putting in a five day a week stint at her Clarkston shop.

The widow, who opened her first shop 79 years ago at the age of 17, says the secret of her longevity is chocolate – "one of the finer things in life" taken three times a day.

And in a cynical world where life is often viewed as a struggle there is no sign of the former tea girl stopping anytime soon: "I could never, and will never, give it up… It's all about the personal service and getting to know people – and that's what I love about working."

It is fair to say that Ella is one of the lucky ones, finding something that she genuinely enjoys, and with no tiresome bosses to wear her down. But her spirit of hard work and an enjoyment of life is something we can all take heart from. So let's raise our hats to this fine businesswoman.