TALENTED 100-year-old Elaine Cliffe-Whinney will be the toast of the community today, as she marks her centenary with her family.

The great-grandmother lives in Stokesley, where she has been known for years for her love of gardening and drama.

A member of Stokesley Flower Club and Leven Arts Society, she has led a full and varied life that saw her previously win Stokesley's garden of the year contest.

With her talent for painting, she also took an art class in Nunthorpe, where she helped to enhance people's skills.

Mrs Cliffe-Whinney was born in Albert Terrace, Middlesbrough, in 1908, to Charles and Esther Cliffe - the youngest of three daughters.

At the age of 16, she met and fell in love with Alfred Whinney - her only ever boyfriend. They married nine years later.

Her husband was a timber importer and they bought a piece of land in Guisborough Road, in Nunthorpe, to build their home.

There, they had three children, Angela, Robin and Sandra. Her husband died more than 20 years ago.

She has nine grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren.

Still in great health, the 100-year-old said: "There is no secret. I have never smoked and I have never been a big drinker.

"You should just eat what you like and what suits you.

If it upsets you, don't eat it."