FRIENDS and family did not let modest Alberta Jackson shy away from attention when she celebrated her 100th birthday this week.

South Church Nursing Home, in Bishop Auckland, where Mrs Jackson has lived for about 18 months, was packed for a party.

She said: "I've done nothing special. It's nice but I don't know why there is all this fuss. I've no secret, just kept active and independent. I like to be doing things."

Mrs Jackson, one of five sisters and a brother, was raised in West Auckland and moved to Cockfield with her husband Willy, who died 23 years ago, after 50 years of marriage.

The couple never had children, but cared for nephew David Vollans because his mother, Mrs Jackson's younger sister, Marion, had polio. Mr Vollans said: "She's been like a mother to me. She is an incredible lady, but very modest."

Mrs Jackson has been an active member of Woodhouse Close and West Auckland Women's Institutes and has exhibited embroidery at WI events and Bowes Museum.