ONE of the region's oldest people celebrated her 105th birthday yesterday with a glass of champagne and a slice of cake.
Gertrude Hutchinson, known as Gertie, was joined by staff and friends at St Williams Residential Home, in Cornwall Avenue, Darlington, for the big day.
Miss Hutchinson, who has been deaf since she was a child and who has no family, moved into the home 11 years ago, at the age of 94.
Before then, she lived in Bishop Auckland and worked at the town's golf club during the Second World War.
Her friend, Margaret Winter, said: "She seemed to enjoy the day.
"She got a letter from the Queen and a photograph, which she was very interested in.
"Her health isn't bad, considering her age. She is well looked after and loved and cared for."
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