A SINGER who once shared the stage with North-East comedian Bobbie Thompson has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Phyllis Vasey marked the occasion with family and friends and was in fine form - serenading Durham County Council chairman Councillor Dennis Morgan when he dropped in.

Mrs Vasey’s great niece, Janice Petrucci, said the centenarian of South Moor, Stanley, was born in Chester-le-Street and sang with the Chester-le-Street Follies in the 1940s.

Ms Petrucci sadi: "Bobby Thompson the comedian, who was just starting his career, joined their concert party on tours, visiting the workingmen’s clubs of the region.

"That was before Bobby Thompson became famous."

Mr Thompson became known across the region for his broad Geordie accent, self-deprecating humour and mastery of the mother-in-law joke.

He was affectionately known as The Little Waster due to his short stature and was known by his worn out stripy jumper (woolly gansey in Geordie) and flat cap.

Mrs Vasey, who has always had a passion for singing, was a member of the South Moor Operatic Society.

She worked at Horner’s Sweet Factory and then Redifusion and spent a time working at a Butlins holiday camp following the death of her husband Robert.

Coun Morgan said: "Phyllis is a lovely lady and it was a privilege for me to be serenaded by her and something I will always treasure."

Phyllis has one son Robert along with two grandchildren and two great, grandchildren.