ONE of the North-East's oldest residents has added another greeting from the Queen to her already growing collection.

Annie Pattison celebrated her 106th birthday yesterday, with friends and residents at the Castle Bank Residential Home, in Tow Law.

Mrs Pattison, was born in the now deserted railway settlement of Salter's Gate.

She moving to Tow Law as an 18-year-old bride with her late husband, Jack, who had a hairdressing shop.

The couple's four children, three daughters and a son, were born in the village, but sadly have now all died.

Mrs Pattison received a bundle of cards from a stream of well-wishers.

"Until a couple of years ago, she was still fit enough to live in her own flat. Now she is highly thought of by residents and staff at Castle Bank.

Senior care assistant Margaret Henderson said: "She has got great character about her and she does keep us on our toes. She is a wonderful old lady.