FRIENDS and family are mourning the death of a popular Teesdale centenarian.

Hannah Shepherd, from Eggleston, died in the Richardson Hospital, Barnard Castle, last Sunday.

She was described by people who knew her as a remarkable lady who was totally devoted to her large family.

Mrs Shepherd was born in Eggleston in 1903 and lived in Teesdale all her life.

With her late husband, Miles, Mrs Shepherd raised six daughters, Jean, Bessie, Olwyn, Avril and the late Kathleen and Moira.

She leaves 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs Shepherd was very proud of her extended family.

She was renowned throughout the family as an excellent cook.

Many of her relatives came to visit her on her 100th birthday in August, when she received a telegram from the Queen, and joined her guests in drinking champagne.

Duncan Roxburgh, Mrs Shepherd's son-in-law, said: "She was a lovely lady who was quite quiet and used to mind her own business.

"A lot of her generation has gone now, but she saw a lot of changes in her life. I don't think she saw a plane until she was ten years old."

Mr Roxburgh's wife, Olwyn, said: "She always used to keep us children looking smart by making our clothes. I always remember if we were going to a party she would be finishing off the dresses and my Dad would be putting them on us."