A WOMAN with remarkable strength has celebrated her 102nd birthday.

Betty Wilson enjoyed a quiet party with friends and staff at Parklands Residential Home, in Crook, County Durham, yesterday.

Mrs Wilson has lived at the home for four years, where staff describe her as a quiet, likeable resident.

Born at East Hedleyhope in 1904, she moved to Stanley Crook to live with husband, Ernest, and raise their son, Eddie.

She lived there for 30 years and was a member of the former Wooley Terrace Methodist Chapel.

Mr Wilson died more than 40 years ago, but she remained fiercely independent and twice proved her mettle by recovering from serious accidents.

Eddie, who lives in London, said: "She is made of tough stuff. She was brought up during the recession and survived two nasty accidents.

"She was knocked over by a car in her 70s and by a motorbike in her 80s, suffering broken legs, arms and her pelvis, but pulled through.

"She has been without her husband for 40 years, but has remained strong - she's quite remarkable."