HOSPITAL staff have honoured centenarian Violet Thoburn by naming a ward after her.

Mrs Thoburn, who celebrated her 100th birthday last week, has been a resident at Middleton St George Hospital, near Darlington, for 17 years.

She was born in Newcastle and spent most of her life in Gateshead, before moving to County Durham.

To celebrate the occasion, the hospital held a breakfast for Mrs Thoburn and her friends.

Linda Stephens, hospital operations manager, said: "Violet has been at the hospital a long time and it has been a pleasure to look after her. We are delighted to be able to honour her by naming our new ward the Thoburn Unit.