FOR Emma Himsworth there is nothing to beat a rousing hymn.

And the Methodist-raised grandmother-of-nine has plenty to sing about. She celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday, with up to 30 relatives, staff and other residents of the Albert Cocks residential home, in Middlesbrough.

But the party could only start after she had her hair done at the Middlesbrough Council-run home.

An active member of North Ormesby Methodist Church, Middlesbrough, until she was well into her nineties, twice-married and twice-widowed Mrs Himsworth also played and taught the piano. And as the home will testify, she still likes to sing hymns.

She ran a greengrocer's shop with Edward Briggs, her first husband, whom she had married in the 1920s, then worked in a baker's shop.

He died in the early 1970s and she married Herbert Himsworth in 1979, who died several years later.

Mrs Himsworth, who lived on her own until she moved into the home, three years ago, loves being surrounded by flowers.

Knowing of her love, Jan Douglas, head of Middlesbrough Council's social care service, and Councillor Brenda Thompson, the council's executive member for social care and health, yesterday presented the centenarian with bouquets on behalf of the home and the council.