THE latest addition to an east Durham family has been the cause of early Christmas celebrations by completing a fifth generation.

At a fortnight old, Lennon Lee Yates completes an extended family headed by Vera Bartholomew, 79, and husband Arthur, 84.

Below them in the hierarchy are Margaret Birbeck, 58, Deby Stobbs, 39, and Lennon's mother, Michelle Louise Stobbs, 20. Proud grandmother Deby said the family's women had all given birth at about the same age.

"It is very unusual to have five under 80 years," she said.

"There's about 20 years between each of the generations, and it's very strange because I don't feel old enough to be a grandma.

"It's lovely though, and it will be a lovely Christmas this year."

The family, from Easington, is already well-known in the area, as Mr Bartholomew is the only surviving member of the 1951 pit disaster rescue team.

Mrs Stobbs said: "He was introduced to the Queen when she was in Easington and she said what a good looking chap he was for his age.

"He's the joker of the family."