FAMILY, friends and residents joined in the celebrations at a residential home yesterday as Hilda Geldard marked her 100th birthday.

Despite being unable to read her birthday card from the Queen, Mrs Geldard enjoyed a buffet lunch and drinks at the Cherry Garth Residential Home, in Thirsk.

"Unfortunately she can no longer see, but that has not stopped her thoroughly enjoying her birthday. She looks very well for her age," said Denise Thompson, of Cherry Garth.

"She is a lovely lady and she gets on well with the other residents."

Mrs Geldard, a former employee at Weavers Mill, moved to Thirsk 17 years ago to be with her family.

She moved into Cherry Garth in January.

Mrs Geldard was born in Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond, and lived for many years in the Northallerton area.

She married at 28, and had one daughter, who died at birth.

Twenty-five family members and friends visited the home yesterday to join the celebrations and present her with cards and gifts. She also received a bouquet of flowers from the county council and a congratulatory telemessage from the mayor and district council.