A PENSIONER who still lives in her own home celebrated her 101st birthday yesterday.

Margaret Stewart has lived in the Fulwell area of Sunderland all her life and worked until she was 79.

Her first job was in a dairy and she had a number of cleaning jobs over the years.

Mrs Stewart raised four children and has 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She has led a healthy and active life, enjoying walking, and has never smoked or drank.

Mrs Stewart, who used to love baking and knitting, celebrated her big day with a family get-together.

Sunderland City Council's social services, whose home support team help her, joined in the celebrations.

Senior Home Support supervisor Graeme Lascelles called with a card and a bouquet of flowers.

A social services spokesman said: "Mrs Stewart still lives in her own home and her family visit every day.

"She receives help from her home support team.

"Mrs Stewart says they are a lovely team of girls and that she is very happy."