A GOOD knees-up and a sing-a-long are the secrets to a long and happy life for Nora Blenkinsopp.

She turned 102 yesterday and celebrated with a tea party.

Mrs Blenkinsopp is a resident of Eastbourne Care Home, in Cobden Street, Darlington, which was yesterday decorated with balloons, banners and cards.

A buffet dinner was provided and she was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Mrs Blenkinsopp also received a birthday cake, although it came without 102 candles.

The home's activity co-ordinator, Alice Hardy, said: "We put on a tea party for her and organised entertainment by inviting a singer along. We have had singers at the home before, who sing all the old-style songs, and Nora always joins in.

"She often gets up to perform one of her own.

"Nora is the eldest resident at the home, with most still in their nineties, and everyone sees her as the 'Queen Mother' figure.

"Nora is a lovely woman - everyone likes her."