A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER who helped build aeroplanes during the Second World War has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Despite her valuable contribution to the Royal Air Force at such a crucial time, Margaret Avery never flew in a plane until her 80th birthday, when her daughter and nieces took her to Benidorm in Spain.

Born in Sunderland on July 30, 1918, Mrs Avery worked at an aeroplane factory in Manchester during the war.

She met her husband, Jack Avery, from Bishop Auckland, at a wedding after peace was declared, and the couple got married in 1946.

They settled in Bishop Auckland and had their daughter, Catherine, the following year.

Mrs Avery was a housekeeper for a local family for many years, and later worked as a barmaid in clubs and pubs in the town. Her final position was at the Castle Hotel, where she worked into her late 80s.

Mr and Mrs Avery were married for 63 years before his death in 2009. She has two grandchildren, Clare and Graeme, and five great-grandchildren.

A keen bingo player, Mrs Avery was a regular at the Hippodrome and Cockton Hill Club.

She was also an active member of Woodhouse Close Church for many years, attending church on Sunday, meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Bright Hour.

Mrs Avery celebrated her birthday surrounded by friends and family at the church, where she received flowers from Councillor John Lethbridge, chairman of Durham County Council, and Councillor David Fleming, the mayor of Bishop Auckland.

Reverend Sarah Gill, of Woodhouse Close Church, said: “Margaret is a dedicated and valued member of Woodhouse Close Church and I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped make her birthday party special.

“It was a privilege to host the party. The beautiful decorations, music, food and fellowship created such a special atmosphere.”

Cllr Lethbridge, who is also ward councillor for Woodhouse Close, added: “Margaret has been an active member of Woodhouse Close Church for many years and she is extremely well-liked and respected in the community. This is demonstrated by how many people attended her birthday party."

“Many people will know Margaret from her voluntary work for the Poppy Appeal. She and her husband, Jack, collected for the charity and after he died Margaret carried on this important work.

“She is a bright light and an inspiration for us all. I would like to wish Margaret a very happy birthday.”