A WOMAN who credits her long life to the love and support of her family has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Hilda Pepperday, from Romanby, Northallerton, marked the special occasion on Thursday, February 12, with a surprise party thrown by friends and family.

She has four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Her son, Mike Pepperday, said his mother had thoroughly enjoyed her day and had been pleased to receive cards from the Queen and Iain Duncan Smith MP.

Mrs Pepperday, formerly Hilda Turton, lived in Danby Wiske from the age of three with her postmaster parents and five siblings.

At 14, she left school to work in the Post Office and was tasked with transcribing telegrams and delivering them throughout the village.

In 1937 she married Ernie Pepperday, who worked at the Co-op in Northallerton, and the couple moved to a house in Romanby, where Mrs Pepperday continues to live today.

Mr Pepperday said: “Mum loved baking and knitting when my sister Anne and I were growing up, she was always with us and she still loves having all her grandchildren around.”

Mrs Pepperday added: “I’ve had a wonderful day. It’s an achievement to get to 100, but the secret is to just keep muddling on.

“I’m very lucky to have such a lovely family that look after me.”