CENTENARIAN Emma Brown does not let her age get in the way of leading a full and active life.

Mrs Brown, of Blackhall Colliery, who is the great niece of the legendary County Durham miners' leader Peter Lee, is still a keen bowls player and is getting to grips with the world of computers.

"She has got my old computer and she now proudly boasts that she is learning how to use it. She intends to take a course,'' said her son, Ferris.

"She is a very active lady. She is still bowling. She used to play outdoors, switched to indoor bowling, but now plays short mat bowls.''

Mrs Brown, who has lived in East Durham most of her life, lives on her own in sheltered accommodation.

She celebrated her landmark with a lunch and also a party in the village's community centre for up to 200 guests.

She married her late husband, Joseph, a deputy at Blackhall Colliery, in 1928.

During the Second World War, she worked in the village's British Restaurant. She helped Meals on Wheels for many years, giving up when she was over 70.

Mrs Brown, a Methodist, also has a daughter, Mary Philpot, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.