SINGERS and musicians helped a retired bandmaster mark his 100th birthday at the weekend.

Tom Hodgson, of Grove Road, Tow Law, enjoyed a celebration at St Philip and St James' Parish Church on Saturday.

The service and musical event was organised by The Salvation Army because he has been a dedicated Christian and Salvationist all his life.

He was a member of Tow Law corps until it closed in 1990. He then transferred to the Consett corps, where he is still an active member.

Mr Hodgson has enjoyed playing most instruments through the years, particularly the cornet, and was commissioned as bandmaster from 1941 to 1977.

He said: "The Salvation Army is very important in my life and I have enjoyed playing many instruments for many occasions. I have lost count of how many people I have helped as bandmaster.

"The celebration was a lovely idea, especially because it was in the church I married my late wife, Ethel, in 1930.

"Everyone has been so kind. I was sent 139 cards from friends and family, including one from the Queen."

Ex-comrades from Tow Law corps and relatives contributed to buy Mr Hodgson a new uniform for the service.

As a teenager he worked at Hedleyhope and West Thornley collieries, before he got a job working at the furnaces alongside his father at Bonds Steel Foundry.

He later worked as a crossing warden at what is now the Blessed John Duckett RC Primary School, until 1983.