AT the age of 100, Olive Oxley makes all her own meals and does all her own housework.

But yesterday she put her everyday chores on hold to celebrate her birthday milestone at a party with close family and friends.

Born in Langley Moor, near Durham, Mrs Oxley spent more than 20 years as a housekeeper for a local family, eventually moving south with them until she was 55 when she returned to the Durham area.

It was not until she was 57 that she met and married the late Harry Oxley.

Now living in the Sherburn area, Mrs Oxley keeps in close contact with her stepsons, Brian and Harry, and her their children who she saidhave been a great support to her over the years.

She is happy looking after herself, making her meals and doing her own housework but said: "I don't think I do it quite as well as I used to."

"Fortunately, I have not been much trouble to doctors."

Her other interest lies in the local Methodist church and seeing a close friend a couple of times each week.

Surrounded by flowers and birthday greetings, Mrs Oxley has given pride of place to a birthday card from the Queen.

And after a morning reading through all the good wishes, it was off to the Hallgarth Manor Hotel to celebrate her 100 years with close family members and friends.

As to the secret of her long life, she said: "Just being contented and happy with your lot and never wanting what you can't have."