A MUCH-loved great-grandmother has celebrated her 100th birthday after spending a lifetime in the North-East home that she loves.

Jean Brown turned 100 yesterday with her family arranging a party to bring together 22 loved ones to relive the happy memories they share with centenarian.

Her three children, Liz Jordinson, Martyn Brown and Paul Brown, all gathered together on the day in the family home Mrs Brown has lived in since 1953.

Ever since moving in to the Darlington property with Ray, her late husband, Mrs Brown has had The Northern Echo newspaper delivered there and has read countless news stories about her hometown and beyond over the decades.

Her son, Martyn Brown, 68, said: "My mother has definitely lived a very full life and nothing has stopped her from doing so.

"She's actually never been abroad, owned a passport or had a driving licence, but that hasn't stopped her either.

"She was born in the Eastbourne area and her and my dad both worked on Albert Hill in Darlington and had many happy years together.

"Now she has six great-grandchildren and we gathered everyone together for a family party on Sunday, just before her birthday."