CENTENARIAN Mary Dodds did not know what all the fuss was about, as friends, family and long-lost relatives gathered for her 100th birthday celebrations.

Mary was the centre of attention at a party at Durham House Residential Home, in Chester-le-Street, to mark the landmark occasion, yesterday.

It was a good reason to put up the bunting and lay on a buffet spread for residents and guests.

Mary's great nephews, brothers Richard and John Loughlin, spread the word among a wider group of relations, including several cousins who had not seen her for many years.

Richard said: "I think she had lost touch with a few of them for as much as 30 or 40 years, so its was a real trip down memory lane.

"I don't think she wanted a big fuss making, but I'm sure she was pleased to see so many old faces."

The event included the presentation of telegrams and best wishes messages from Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons.

There was also a visit by Father Peter Carr and other representatives of St Cuthbert's RC Church in Chester-le-Street, where Mary was a regular member of the congregation until she moved into Durham House.

Mary, who outlived her husband Michael, a council worker, by more than 40 years, remained very independent until recent years.

She lived alone, at home in Cumbrian Avenue, Chester-le-Street, until 1997 when she was advised to move into residential care after suffering two hip fractures in falls.

But even at Durham House Richard said she had remained active, albeit with the use of her zimmer frame.