Mary Berry takes top 'Oldie' title

Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry has been crowned Oldie of the Year.

The cookery writer and judge from the popular BBC series received the award at The Oldie Magazine's recent celebration lunch in London.

She was among a host of stars at the ceremony recognising the contribution of mature familiar faces.

Berry, 78, has become something of an unlikely style icon over the past 4 years thanks to the carefully assembled and brightly coloured outfits she wears on Bake Off.

But she insists she is not so meticulous when it comes to preserving her complexion.

'I just love being an oldie,' said the TV star. 'There's no Botox, and there are no implants and no tucks and wrinkle smoothing.

Mary's 'simple' routine

'My routine is very simple. I have never used face creams, I just use 1 foundation, 1 powder, 1  lipstick and that's it. I don't want expensive make up. Why bother?

'I've never used expensive face creams, so I don't know if they are a waste of money. I've never felt the need.'

Judges for the awards, which were hosted by Sir Terry Wogan, included broadcasters Jon Snow and Libby Purves as well as The Oldie Magazine's founder Richard Ingrams.

Other 'Oldie' winners

They also awarded actress Anne Reid - who appeared in the BBC1 drama Last Tango In Halifax - the Pin-up of the Year prize.

Broadcaster Nicholas Parsons - who is still hosting his Radio 4 series Just A Minute after 46 years at the age of 90 - collected the Dorian Gray Award, while former Prime Minister Sir John Major picked up the Campaigner of the Year prize.

Heckler of the Year went to Joan Woolard, an investor for Barclays who told bank executives 'I don't know how you sleep at night'.

Other winners at the Oldie of the Year bash were Ronald Blythe, crowned Oldie Sage of the Year, and Jacob Rees-Mogg, who was named Wannabe Oldie of the Year.

Copyright Press Association 2014