SCHOOLCHILDREN sang for a former publican’s 101st birthday party today.
Retired landlady Evie Mason was in good spirits for her celebrations at the Church View care home in South Church, Bishop Auckland, where she was joined by her son Syd, daughter Jean and other members of her family.
She sang along with the choir from St Andrew’s Primary School , Bishop Auckland, and received a bouquet from Bishop Auckland mayor David Wilson.
Mrs Mason and her late husband Syd ran pubs for 30 years, spending the last 17 years of their career at the Alma Hotel, in South Church Road, Bishop Auckland.
She was married to Syd for 61 years until he died aged 89.
Now a great-great grandmother, Mrs Mason lived independently until she was 98 and knitted blankets for Bishop Auckland hospital’s special care baby unit until arthritis forced her to stop a few months ago.
Sue Adams, from the home, said: "She is very popular with everybody here.
"She is a great sense of humour and is very alert. She had a brilliant birthday."
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