The support of loving friends and family has been the key to a long life for Dorothy Weston, as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

Dorothy, who lives at Ivy Lodge Retirement Home in Haxby, celebrated the landmark yesterday with a buffet and drinks.

Sue Starkey, care manager at Ivy Lodge, said: "Dorothy is a lovable old lady. She’s very happy, always smiley and a treasure to look after, with a nice sense of humour.

"She’s an absolute pleasure and dearly loved by all the staff."

Dorothy grew up on Clarence Street and was educated at Queen Anne’s School.

She left school aged 14 to join her father’s hairdressing business in The Groves, where she worked until she was 60.

Dorothy has no children, and her husband Kenneth died seven years ago, shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary. They had lived in Woodland Way, Huntington, since 1974.

She has a passion for music, enjoying the recent visits of choirs for Christmas, and amateur dramatics, having acted when she was younger.

Since arriving she has grown close to the staff, as well as being active in fellowship and church meetings, and was joined by friends and family for yesterday’s celebration.