SHE may be the oldest person in North Yorkshire - and yesterday Emily Cook celebrated in style.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Irene Waudby, was among those who attended a party celebrating Miss Cook's 107th birthday.

Staff at Lime Tree House Residential Care Home, Upper Poppleton, York, believe Miss Cook could be the oldest person in the county and about 40 guests turned out to celebrate.

Born in Scagglethorpe, near Malton, where her aunt and uncle ran the post office, she moved to Poppleton Road, York, as a young girl and attended Poppleton School.

After leaving school she served as a house maid in large houses in both York and Malton. She finished her working life as housekeeper to Tom Kirkby and his family in Norton, Malton.

When Mr Kirkby died, Miss Cook inherited his cottage, living there until she moved to Lime Tree House at 97 to be near her niece, Eve Baron, of Poppleton.

Miss Cook said she put her long life down to respecting other people and having a good cooked dinner with a glass of sherry every day.

Andrea Cree, entertainments co-ordinator of Lime Tree House, said: "Everyone is privileged to care for Emily with her being such a remarkable lady with a good sense of humour. She is always game for a laugh."

Also celebrating at yesterday's party was Emily's fellow resident at the home, Gwen McDermott, who turned 90.