A PENSIONER celebrated her 100th birthday at the weekend surrounded by her family and friends.

Eva Sewell, who has lived in Chilton since 1936, was the guest of honour at a party at her grandaughter's house, in Newton Aycliffe, on Saturday.

She was joined by her only daughter, Ann Matthews, two grandaughters and six grandchildren. Among her well wishers were Prime Minister Tony Blair, who sent her a bouquet and the Queen. She was also visited by Chilton Town Mayor Victor Collinson.

Her daughter, Mrs Matthews, who now lives in Manchester, said that family and friends had travelled from far and wide to be with her mother on her special day.

She said: "She has given a lot of love to her family and has had a lot of love in return.

"She has been in her own home until very recently and was still babysitting her great grandchildren until three years ago.

"She is a very determined lady and that is what has kept her going. She is also a very intelligent lady. She went to grammar school, which is unusual for a lady of her age.''

Mrs Sewell, who worked as a nanny for a doctor's family in Darlington, was born in Shildon in 1905 and moved to Chilton with her husband, James, in 1936.

She is very well known in the Chilton area.

Councillor Collinson said: "Chilton Town Council and the people of Chilton would like to congratulate Eva in reaching her 100th birthday and thank her for the important part she has played in our community over the years."