A FORMER tailor has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Friends, family and local politicians have beaten a path to Hilda Close's door, to wish her a very happy birthday.

Mrs Close was born and brought up in Stanley. After leaving school she followed in her grandfather's footsteps and became a qualified tailor, working for Batson's in Stanley.

She married highways supervisor Ted in 1931 and the couple made their home in Burnhope.

Mrs Close was a member of the Mothers' Union and the Women's Institute and supported her husband when he became a councillor on the former Lanchester Rural District Council.

She moved to Lynwood House, the residential home run by Durham County Council, in 1999.

Among the civic dignitaries wishing Mrs Close a happy birthday was North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong, whose father was friends with the late Mr Close. Other visitors included chairman of Derwentside District Council Coun David Llewellyn.

Mrs Close's only child, Tom, who lives in Chester-le-Street, was among the gathering at the home for a milestone party.

He said: "She really enjoyed her day and was enthralled. The family were there and she got an awful lot of flowers and cards."