CONGRATULATIONS came flooding in yesterday as great-grandmother Maud Beesley celebrated reaching her centenary.

Messages from the Queen and council chiefs arrived at the Cherry Garth residential home in Thirsk, along with tributes from family and friends all over the country.

Mrs Beesley has devoted her life to her extensive family of twin daughters, a son, nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Born in Coventry she spent most of her life there - moving 30 years ago following the death of her husband.

She then lived in Lincoln for many years before moving to Sowerby to be nearer some of her family and despite a heart attack last year she is still going strong.

Daughter Pat Bennett said: "Until she was about 96 she was still doing her garden regularly and entertaining all her friends.

"And although she's now reached her 100th birthday she is still a very strong-willed and determined person."