TEESSIDE great-great-grandmother, Jo Allan, celebrated her 99th birthday yesterday, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown she was unable to be visited by her 93 offspring.

Determined not to let the big day go by without some form of recognition and though they could not be there themselves, her 12 children organised a special, socially distanced celebration with residents at the apartments in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough where she lives.

The first highlight of the day was a visit from Stockton-based Mikey’s Ices – who served ‘99s’ to Jo and her neighbours.

The ice-creams were paid for by Thornaby resident Andy Barrett who heard about the celebrations and insisted on sponsoring the ‘99s’.

Jo said: "It's been a lovely day, I have such a gorgeous family."

The second high-point was a visit from Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston who heard about the event and wanted to offer his birthday wishes in person to one of the town’s oldest residents.

Mr Preston said: "I was asked to come along to celebrate a fantastic occasion - being born in 1921 Jo was not only around for World War Two but she just missed World War One.

"She was born before cars were on the streets of Middlesbrough.

"The idea of the ice creams is fantastic - everyone loves ice-cream, it's been a lovely day."

Jo should also have been joined by her 93 offspring – as well as her 12 children, Jo has 36 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Born on November 18, 1921 when George V was the King and David Lloyd George was Prime Minister, she has lived in Middlesbrough for almost all of her life, raising a family that grew and grew.

On the secret to a long life, Jo said: "Live life to the full."

Jo was married to David for 61 years.

He was well-known for his involvement at the Erimus Club on Cumberland Road, where he was at various times Trustee, Secretary and President.

Dave passed away in 2005, aged 82.

Their children, now aged between 53 and 76, include eight daughters – Pauline, Joan, Judith, Barbara, Mary, Catherine, Susan and Steph – together with sons, Doug, Bernard, Gerard and Dave.

During the Second World War, Jo worked at a munitions’ factory in Heighington checking bullets for faults.

Later, as well as raising their large family, Jo found time to work for many years as a product demonstrator in local shops, including Newhouses - now Debenhams - and then as a housing officer for Middlesbrough Council.

In her long retirement she has rediscovered a long-lost love for art and, until the outbreak of the pandemic, attended a weekly art class. She’s also an active member of Middlesbrough U3A and the Mother’s Union.

A devoted Catholic, she regularly attends mass at the Holy Name of Mary, where she was married in November 1943.

Although she can not attend church nowadays because of Covid, she still attends a virtual mass online every Sunday morning.

Two years ago – to mark her 97th birthday – daughter Susan helped her produce a book about her amazing life.

It’s titled “Just an Ordinary Mother – My Life and Legacy”.