BIRTHDAY girl Grace Askew was the life and soul of the party as five generations of her family gathered to mark her centenary yesterday

Mrs Askew enjoyed a buffet party at the Farrars Arms, in Crook, with more than 60 family members and friends.

Born in a terraced house in Billy Row, on May 23, 1907, Mrs Askew has lived in the area all her life and never thought she'd see her 100th birthday.

"I never thought I'd reach this age. I'm not really sure what my secret is - I have always been an active person and have never drank or smoked, so maybe that helped," she said.

"I have seen so much in my 100 years, some bad, some good, but I have definitely enjoyed my life."

She helped her mother as a caretaker at the Call Board, near Billy Row, and married her husband, Henry, in 1928 at St Catherine's Church, Crook.

The couple had four children, Doreen, 79, Bobby, 72, Harry, 65 and Tony, 64.

Mrs Askew has nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and newcomer to the family, Ryan, was born this month.

Son Tony Askew said: "It is phenomenal that she has reached this age. She has always been healthy and I am very proud of her.

"She was great when she had to look after my father who passed away 32 years ago."