ONE of the region's oldest residents celebrated her 104th birthday yesterday, with the mayor and a local singer, and family and friends.

Alice Gill, who was born in North Skelton in 1900 and moved to Brotton, east Cleveland, 74 years ago, joined in a singalong with local singer Janie St John.

Norah Cooney, mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, also joined in the celebrations at The White House Residential Home, in Brotton, where Alice has lived since she moved out of her home, where she lived alone, only five years ago.

Her husband, William, who died in 1982 at the age of 84, was a boilermaker at Skinningrove Steel Works.

Alice, who can remember the sinking of the Titanic, is visited regularly by her daughter, Marie, 69, and son, Harry, 75, who both still live in Brotton and who are also grandparents.

The 104-year-old has six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ann Jackson, who owns the home, said: "Everyone in Brotton knows Alice and they all ask after her. Quite a few people popped in today with a card. Most of my staff have known her since they were children.

"She is quite chatty and still full of fun - the life and soul of the party. She likes to have a laugh and loves singing."