ELIZA Hall, who has celebrated her 100th birthday, did not have far to travel in Stockton to find the love of her life.

She married Philip, the boy next door in Hume Street.

Although he was a Roman Catholic and she a member of the Church of England, they formed a strong friendship after a doorstep meeting.

Their romance blossomed and after about five years they wed at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, in Norton Road, Stockton in 1927.

Mrs Hall, who was 100 on Monday was congratulated at a birthday party in The Parkwood Hotel, Hartburn, where she also held her 80th and 90th birthday celebrations.

She was also presented with a bouquet from Tristar Homes, the company who run the town's council housing, by tenancy service officer, Chris Peters, at her home in Glaisdale Avenue, Newham Grange.

Mr Hall, who was a steelworker at Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough, died 30 years ago.

The couple had four children, two boys and two girls.

Maureen, the only one of the four still alive, said: "I think my mother's determination and independent spirit are the reasons for her long life.

"In her younger days she did a lot of knitting for schools and was a keen dancer."