WHEN Cissy Horner turned 100 she vowed she wasn't having any fuss. But she still had a ball when friends and family threw her a party.

The popular pensioner was inundated with cards and flowers at Barrington Lodge, Nursing Home, Bishop Auckland, including a telegram from the Queen and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Andrew Smith.

Family and friends travelled from all over the country to help her to celebrate with a glass or two of sherry and some cake.

Mrs Horner was originally from Darlington and worked in the town as a milliner before marrying husband Harry and settling down in Shildon.

She lived in St Johns Road in the town for 45 years and the couple had a daughter Doreen, who sadly died when she was 31.

Niece Marjorie McLean, 68, and husband Ken, 72, described Mrs Horner as a second mother and said that she was a popular lady who had always worked hard.

Mrs McLean said: "I always used to stay with her from being a little girl. All of my friends used to like to go to her house as well.

"She is a really nice natured lady everybody likes her. I think she has done marvellous to get to 100.''

Mrs Horner is also held in high esteem at the nursing home. Sister Katie Marley said: "She is gorgeous and wonderful for 100.

"She is a very determined lady with a mind of her own. She knows what she wants. She's lovely."