THE oldest member of a Darlington family of five generations has died.

Violet McCullagh, 92, who died peacefully last Thursday, became a great-great grandmother at 87 when Miles Clark was born in 2006 to Rachel Laheney and partner Craig Clark.

Since Miles' arrival, a further four great-great grandchildren have been born - Jake Clark, Joel Shields, Casey Marie MacDonald and Jayden MacDonald.

Violet's daughter, Jennifer Docherty, 62, said: "She was very family-orientated - we were all important to her.

"There aren't many people who can say they have had five generations of their family around at the same time."

Mrs McCullagh was born in Aberdeen in 1919. Her parents moved to the Harrowgate Hill area of Darlington when she was three and she got her first job at what was known as the Lily Laundry, in Russell Street. She later worked for Patons and Baldwins wool manufacturing factory.

She was married to her late husband Thomas for 60 years and had four children, including Irene, who died young from meningitis.

Granddaughter Cheryl MacDonald, 41, said she was active in her later life and made Christmas dinner for the family up until she was 90.

She leaves children Jennifer Docherty, Brian McCullagh and Peter McCullagh and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Mrs McCullagh died at The Grange Care Home, Darlington, on October 2. A funeral will be held at St Mark's Church, North Road on Thursday, at 2.15pm.