MARTHA Mason was joined by a dozen grand-nephews and nieces from across the country as she celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday.

Martha, of Brockwell Court Nursing Home, in Consett, was born in Beamish and married in Stanley.

In the 1920s she moved with her husband, Joseph, to Consett, where he worked as a printer on the now-closed Consett Chronicle, before becoming a printer at the Consett Iron Company.

Like many other women at the time, Martha went to work at the iron company during the Second World War.

Friend Alan Wilkinson said: "Martha was a keen chorister and was an active member of the Consett Baptist Church.

"After that closed, she went to cottage meetings in Rowley."

Martha, who has been a widow for some time, did not have children. But her grand-nephews and nieces were on hand to celebrate with her.

Mr Wilkinson said: "Martha had a stroke about a year ago and is confined to a wheelchair.

"But she is lucid and alert and was excited about getting her telegram from the Queen."