FAMILY, friends and residents all joined in the celebrations at Cherry Garth Residential Home, Thirsk, last Thursday as Hilda Geldard marked her 100th birthday.

Despite being unable to read her telegram from the queen, she enjoyed a buffet lunch and a few drinks.

Denise Thompson of Cherry Garth said: "She is a lovely lady and she gets on well with the other residents." A former Weavers Mill employee, Mrs Geldard was born in Brompton-on-Swale and moved to Thirsk 17 years ago to be with her family.

She moved into Cherry Garth in January this year. She was married at 28 and had one daughter, who sadly died at birth.

Twenty-five family members and friends visited the home to present her with cards and gifts.