MORE than six decades after she left her home in Teesside to join a religious order, Sister Lucy Stacco still finds endless joy in her life and calling.

The 80-year-old shared her 60th jubilee with friends in Crook, looking back on a lifetime of experiences and achievements.

The Faithful Companions of Jesus have been Sister Lucy's life. When she joined as an 18-year-old in 1943, she was allowed little contact with her widowed mother and the rest of the world.

She later taught in schools in Manchester and Jersey before retiring to Crook 12 years ago.

She said she discarded her traditional nun's veil long ago and is now living as an ordinary member of the St Cuthbert's parish with her silver cross as the only trapping of her order.

She said: "It has all been wonderful. There must have been some bad times when I had confrontations with angry parents or teachers, but they aren't the things I remember. All the things I remember are wonderful things. I have been blessed.

"People ask me why I joined and how I can be happy when I am so apparently deprived. You give up certain things when you take your vows but your life is so fulfilled in other ways. I have been chosen by God to do something special."

Sister Lucy celebrated with a Mass and faith supper. Her present from the parish was a trip to Malta where her family originated and where she still has relatives.

She said: "The people of Crook have taken me to their hearts, They are all so loving and appreciative."