A CENTENARIAN has welcomed in her 100th year with a special celebration.

Margaret Matson's birthday feat has been recognised by the Queen and she received her card in the post along with a visit from Ferryhill mayor, Dave Farry.

She was surrounded by her closest family for the milestone occasion yesterday, at Tenlands care home, in Ferryhill, where staff baked her a cake.

Mrs Matson's son, David, said his mother had really enjoyed her day despite "not wanting a fuss".

Mrs Matson was born and raised in Ferryhill and worked as a store assistant before her mother passed away when she was just 16. She took on the main role of looking after her family before meeting her husband Tom, in the 1930s.

The pair got engaged but were separated by the war, where Mr Watson served as a Royal Marine. He returned home to his fiancée in 1945 and the couple married on June 16 that year.

They had three children, the late Tony, David, and Margaret and four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Mr Matson passed away in 1989. Mrs Matson continued to live at home where her passions included volunteering at her church and decorating wedding cakes. She moved into Tenlands just last year.

Mrs Matson will have a second birthday bash with her whole family on Saturday.

Mr Matson, 68, said his mother had had a "tough" life but was a fantastic woman.

He also praised the home staff who had pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion.