An Irish family has been recognised for having had the longest living siblings in the world.

Joseph, Charles, Patrick and James Clarke and their sister Margaret Fanning (née Clarke), were born in a family of 13 in Loughrea, Co Galway.

Born to Charles and Margaret Clarke, they accumulated 506 years between them.

Margaret's son, Joe Fanning, spent four months proving their achievement - and he recently collected a certificate, making it official.

They are credited as being the most siblings to reach the age of 100.

The feat was also achieved on Margaret's 100th birthday on May 30th last year.

So what is the secret behind longevity?

Margaret Fanning told the Guinness World Records that she believed the secret to a long happy life is "To live your own life and be happy and content with everyone and not find fault with them."

"Be friendly and nice to people," she added.