AGE has done nothing to slow down 91-year-old Cissy Harrison in her church and village endeavours.

She has just retired from the parochial church council (PCC) at St Oswald's in West Rounton, near Northallerton, after 70 years of service.

However, she's got no intention of giving up her other role at the church just yet, even though she has been doing it for even longer.

Mrs Harrison began playing the organ at St Oswald's in 1926, when she was still a teenager.

"The previous organist had a motor accident. She used to come to church on a motorcycle, but after her accident she didn't play again," she recalled.

"I was quite young and not a very good organist at that time, but I practised hard and I am still here."

As well as playing the organ and being an active member of the PCC, Mrs Harrison also taught Sunday School for more than 30 years, and was the church treasurer for 36 years.

Local vicar the Reverend Tim Jones said: "She's a real saint, but she's a firebrand too - sharp as a pin.

"A couple of years ago she gave me a right telling off because I hadn't introduced any new hymns."

He added: "If anyone moves into the village she is the first one round to say hello. I wish we could bottle whatever she has and pass it round."

However, Mrs Harrison knows what keeps her going.

"I enjoy what I do very much. If you really enjoy something you will always have the energy to do it," she said.