A life-long Durham resident celebrated her 100th birthday, even though she says she “never expected” to.

Bessie Lauder, from Crook, marked the momentous birthday with her family on April 8.

The birthday girl is well known in the community for her work as a Warden, working in Walter Wilsons supermarket as well as voluntary work for the Salvation Army.

Marking the milestone, Bessie told The Northern Echo that she has received her card from the King and suspects she’s one of the first since he took the throne.

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She told the Echo she celebrated the day with her close family having an afternoon tea at home.

“All of my relations came on April 7. We just left an open house for them.”

During Bessie’s lifetime, she has seen a world war, a man land on the moon, the invention of the internet and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite having had COVID recently and breaking her leg a few years ago, Bessie said it wouldn’t keep her down.

She told the Echo she continues with her favourite hobbies of knitting and gardening, with new scarves every Christmas for her grandchildren.

Asked what the secret to a long life is, she said: “good living”.

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“My husband was a salvationist and it’s been twenty years since he died. He kept me young!”

Bessie’s life saw her leave school at fourteen to babysit for Salvation Army Officers in Scotland, marrying at seventeen and having her first child at eighteen years old.

Her career then saw her work at supermarket Walter Wilsons before working for seven years as an elderly persons Warden.

Her granddaughter, Kayleigh, says it’s “amazing” that her nan has reached this birthday.

“I haven’t come across any other one hundred-year-olds. I got married a couple of years ago and to have her at my wedding was lovely.”

“For her to see us all grown up and having all these amazing memories of turning one hundred with her is really special.”