ONE of east Durham's oldest residents has died this week at the age of 105.

Sarah Jane Bryson, who lived in the Easington District all her life, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Ridgeway House residential home, in Station Town.

Mrs Bryson, who was born in Trimdon Grange, moved to Hutton Henry when she married her husband, Thomas Fenwick Bryson.

The couple later moved to Wingate where miner Mr Bryson died in 1967.

Mrs Bryson, is survived by all four of her children, 83-year-old Jennie Carswell, Bob Bryson, 81, Fen Bryson, 79 and Sarah Atkinson, 69.

She also leaves seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren.

Until she was 97, Mrs Bryson lived independently but after falling and fracturing her hip, she needed nursing care and became one of the first residents of Ridgeway House.

Well-known in the community, Mrs Bryson was a keen member of the Over 60s club where she often entertained members with her singing.

She was also a regular attender at chapel services.

Many of her family members travelled to be with her for her 100th birthday and this year in July she celebrated her 105th birthday when she received a second congratulatory card from the Queen.

Her funeral service will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, in Wingate, on Monday at 2.30pm.