BLANCHE Coates passed another milestone with her 105th birthday yesterday.

Mrs Coates celebrated with family and friends at the Acorn Grange Residential Home, in West Cornforth, County Durham.

Born in Chester-le-Street in 1897, she worked in a munitions factory in Birtley during the First World War, making shells. Her husband, John, served in the Army.

The couple, who settled in Bowburn, near Durham City, had six children. Their eldest daughter, also called Blanche, died in 1996.

Mrs Coates also has nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

A big fan of comedian Sir Norman Wisdom, she had a traditional birthday.

Son John Coates said: "She's had a celebratory drink of sherry and she's had a good day. She's pretty good, everything considered.

"She's had plenty of congratulations from staff and other residents, lots of nice flowers and cards and, of course, she's had a birthday card from the Queen."

Mr Coates said the family would like to thank matron Debbie Fairless and all the staff at Acorn Grange for the cards and flowers and the kindness they have shown his mother.