FRIENDS at a residential care home have paid tribute to a woman who has died just two months after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Mary Annie Elliott was the first resident to celebrate her centenary at Parklands Residential Home, in Crook, on June 10.

On Tuesday, Mrs Elliott died, but left behind many happy memories with carers and fellow residents at the home.

Mrs Elliott was born and grew up in Newfield, one of nine children - six girls and three boys - born to John and Hannah Robinson.

In 1929, she married brick moulder Tom Elliott, who worked at Newfield Brick Works until his death in 1975.

The couple had no children, but were close to all their nieces and nephews and treasured by three evacuee children who travelled from Gateshead to stay with the couple for more than four years.

Andrea Alderson, deputy manager of Parklands, said: "She was a popular and very well-respected lady. She was a strong character with a great sense of humour.

"She will be missed by everyone here. We all enjoyed hearing stories and memories from her life.

"She liked her peace and quiet, but did enjoy flower arranging with friends."

A funeral for Mrs Elliott will be held at Willington Methodist Church on Monday, at 10.45am.

Her family have requested donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the Methodist church.