THEY may attribute their longevity to different things, but whatever the cause it certainly works for two centenarians celebrating birthdays yesterday.

At 107, teetotal Lillian Bell, of Darlington, puts her great age down to not drinking or smoking.

Florence Cook, of North Yorkshire, who celebrated her 103rd birthday, credits always being cheerful.

Great-grandmother Mrs Bell, one of the oldest people in the region, was joined by family and friends to mark her birthday at Moorlands Residential Home, in Darlington.

Her daughter, Nancy Hutchinson, 73, and son Barry Bell, 65, both from Darlington, were there but her other son, John Bell, 77, who lives in New Zealand, was unable to attend.

Mrs Hutchinson said: "She puts her long-life success down to never drinking and never smoking.

"She did suffer a stroke recently but she is still a real chatterbox. She loves to talk and tell tales of days gone by.

"She certainly has a lot to talk about, having lived in three centuries."

Mrs Bell received a telegram from the Queen and a letter of congratulations from Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The widow, who lost her husband George Luther Bell in 1967, aged 74, lived at home in Darlington until she was 104. Originally from Durham, she moved to Darlington after she married and ran a small business from home, selling newspapers on a Sunday.

Michelle Smith, of Moorlands, said: "She's really marvellous." She said that, as a staunch Labour supporter, Mrs Bell was thrilled to receive a letter from Mr Blair.

Mrs Cook, of Leeming Garth nursing home, Leeming Bar, celebrated with family and friends.

She received a large number of cards and bouquets from well-wishers and was visited by her daughter, Audrey Asquith, and grandson Russell Asquith.

Mrs Asquith said: "My mother's really enjoyed herself. She puts her long life down to always being cheerful and happy. She always thinks of others before herself."

Her mother moved to Northallerton in 1960 to be with Mrs Asquith, when her husband, Tom, retired as a butcher. She moved into Leeming Garth four years ago.