THE epidemic cast a shadow over the birthday of one of the North-East's oldest residents yesterday.

For the past few years, Annie Pattison's grandson, Raymond Finlay, has visited from Ulster to share her big day at her home in Tow Law, County Durham.

However, he was advised not to travel for her 105th, because he lives in a rural area and Tow Law has been one of County Durham's worst-hit areas.

Despite her disappointment, Mrs Pattison celebrated with well-wishers at the Castle Bank residential home.

Fit enough to live in her own flat until two years ago, she is the toast of fellow residents and staff.

Born in the now-deserted railway hamlet of Salter's Gate, she has lived in Tow Law since she moved as an 18-year-old bride into her late husband Jack's hairdresser's shop.

All of their four children, three daughters and a son, were born in the village, but have now died.