CARS were a rarity and television an absurd notion when Ethel Dunn was born in 1901.

The sprightly pensioner celebrated her 101st birthday at St Aidan's Lodge nursing home in Durham.

Ethel has lived all her life in the city and only moved to the care home in Front Street, in Framwellgate Moor, four months ago.

She also worked in Durham as a bus conductor before leaving to bring up a family of six.

Ethel was treated to a double celebration for her remarkable milestone with a family party on Monday and a celebratory barbecue at the weekend, which was organised by nursing home staff.

Her daughter, Aileen Oliver, from Newton Hall, Durham said: "She was born on June 24, 1901, and is now nearly as old as St Godric's Church, where she was baptised and we were all married.

"She still has her wits about her. She always has a witty remark for the girls in the nursing home."