A WOMAN who was born in America after her parents emigrated from the North-East has celebrated her 104th birthday today (Tuesday, October 1).

Lillian Yarrow was born in Pennsylvania, but when was still a baby her father, John Charles Coan, was killed in a mining disaster along with his brother, George in Canada.

Her mother, Sarah, brought her and her brother and sister back in 1915 to Sacriston in County Durham when she was raised.

She worked in domestic service, before marrying Nicholas Yarrow in 1930 and the couple had a daughter followed by twins, a boy and girl, but her son died while very young.

Mrs Yarrow, who went on to work as a cinema cashier and tea lady, was widowed in 1961 and now has four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Family and friends joined her at St Aidan's Lodge, in Framwellgate Moor, near Durham City, where she lives.

Mrs Yarrow said: “I have had a lovely birthday. During my life I have always done my best and been as good as I could. I have just looked after myself.”