A WOMAN who was one of 11 children has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Florence Gelson grew up in a family with ten siblings, but on Tuesday the centenarian celebrated her birthday with her two sons, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A party was held for Florence, known as Florrie, at Durham Community Hospital, Durham where she has lived since moving from Framwellgate Moor in Durham.

She grew up in Houghton-le-Spring, but moved to Durham when she married her late husband, George Gelson, and is currently the oldest member of North Road Methodist Church.

Mr Gelson, who died in 1971, worked as an architect after qualifying for the industry by studying at evening classes, while working as a clerk by day.