FAMILY and friends will gather this week to pay tribute to Centenarian Cissy Horner who died almost two months after her 100th birthday.

Mrs Horner died peacefully at Barrington Lodge Nursing Home in Bishop Auckland, last Wednesday.

Her niece, Marjorie McLean, 68, from Shildon, yesterday paid tribute to a "marvellous lady who was loved by everyone."

She said: "She arranged her own funeral six years ago and she knew exactly what she wanted.

"She was such a nice lady and we are so pleased that she made it to 100. It was marvellous. Rather than mourn we will be celebrating her life on Wednesday.''

Friends and family travelled from all over the country to celebrate Mrs Horner's birthday in March.

Mrs Horner was born in Darlington and worked as a milliner in the town before marrying her husband, Harry, and settling in Shildon.

The couple lived in St John's Road in the town for 45 years and had a daughter Doreen, who died at the age of 31.

Mrs Horner lived for a time at Hackworth House, in Shildon, before settling at Barrington Lodge.

Barbara Summers, activities co-ordinator at Barrington Lodge Nursing Home, said: "Cissy was well loved and will be a big miss to everyone. She certainly kept everyone on their toes. She was a lovely lady.''

Friends are asked to meet at St John's Church, Shildon, at 2.20pm, tomorrow for the funeral service, which will be followed by cremation at Darlington.