IT was all a far cry from Lizzie Milburn's first birthday 99 years ago.

For, as well as the traditional telegram from the Queen, her 100th birthday party featured modern entertainment in the form of a karaoke.

She was joined by the five surviving members of her family for the celebration, as well as staff and other residents of the Manor House nursing home, Annfield Plain.

"It was really enjoyable for everyone there," said Mrs Milburn's nephew, Bill Smith.

"We had 30 or 40 other residents there and all the staff who laid on a buffet and birthday cake.

"Everyone had a good time and she seemed to enjoy it, which was the main thing," he said.

Mrs Milburn was born in Chester-le-Street, but grew up with her 11 brothers and sisters in Good Street, Stanley.

After working in domestic service for the well-known Stanley family, the Vincentes, she married Joe Milburn in 1921 and lived in Tanfield Lea and Crookgate.

Mr Milburn, now deceased, played cricket for the Tanfield Lea club and was related to John Milburn, the professional cricketer for East Tanfield and father of Colin, the England cricketer.

Mrs Milburn had one son, Donald, now deceased, who went to Hookergate Grammar School