Emma Brown celebrated the big day yesterday, three years after she received a letter from the Queen to mark her milestone 100th birthday.

Carers at her sheltered accommodation home in Blackhall believe Emma is the oldest woman in the district, closely followed by two fellow Primrose Court residents, Jenny Taylor, 101, and Mina Lawson, 102.

The centenarian said her lust for life has sprung from meeting people. Her family described her as "incredible" and say she still thinks she is 21.

"I love people and over the years I have met hundreds of brilliant people," said Emma.

"That has kept me going along with a good appetite. My two loves in

She was so good at bowling that in 2003 she won the first personality of the year award from the Easington bowling club. "They said I had taught just about everyone there and they were probably right," she said.

Emma was born in Thornley, on March 7, 1905, and married her husband Joseph in 1928, before moving to Blackhall and having two children, Ferris and Mary, who died last year aged 75.Ferris, 78, who lives in Clifton Square, Peterlee, said: "When she was 70 she used to drive for meals on wheels.

"She used to say that she was driving the meals around for the old folk."She doesn't actually realise how old she is and still thinks she is 21. She hates people caring for her and wants to be as independent as possible. She is incredible."

Before marrying, Emma worked as a manageress at the British Restaurant, in Blackhall, during the Second World War.

The proud grandmother of five has nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild with two more on the way.