A FORMER headteacher has celebrated her 106th birthday.

Cecilia Hodgson marked the occasion at St Aidan’s Lodge Care Home, a residential home in Framwellgate Moor, Durham City, which has been her home since she left Tudhoe a few years ago.

Having trained as a teacher at St Hild’s College, in Durham, Mrs Hodgson, who was originally from Cramlington, Northumberland, taught at various schools and was headmistress at Dean Bank School, in Ferryhill.

Mrs Hodgson’s husband George and only child Deidre have both died, but her mother also lived beyond her centenary.

Nephew Michael Hodgson-Hess said: "This year Aunty Celia had a private family gathering with wine and cake and, the next day, a birthday party for all of her fellow residents, again featuring live entertainment with popular songs, magic tricks and jokes."

Once again, she was pleased to receive a card from the Queen.