AMELIA USHER, a pillar of the north Durham community, has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Mrs Usher marked the occasion surrounded by family and well-wishers at Durham House Residential Care Home, in Chester-le-Street.

The daughter of a local wholesale merchant, Mrs Usher attended Chester-le-Street Grammar School, before working at Coxon's Department Store - later Binns - in Newcastle.

In 1928, she married Leonard Usher, an auctioneer and valuer of JG Usher and Son - the firm established by his father, Joseph Grundy Usher.

Mrs Usher was a member of many social and charitable organisations.

She also supported her late husband in his many associations with Rotary, the magistracy, the local council and as company commander of the Home Guard.

She served during the Second World War as a member of the Fire Watch team based at the Anchorage at the Chester-le-Street Parish Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert - a duty she shared with sister, Sadie.

Mrs Usher was a founder member of the Chester-le-Street Inner Wheel, a long-serving president of the Chester-le-Street Operatic Society, a founder member of the Friends of the Hospital and a member of the town's Women's Guild and WRVS. She is a stalwart of local charities and her parish church.

Her only son, Peter Usher, took over the family business until his retirement in 1992.

Mrs Usher said: "It has been a most enjoyable day, surrounded by my friends and family."