A WOMAN who brought life into the world during the Baedeker air raid over York has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Jenny Benson’s first son James was born on April 29, 1942, the night the Luftwaffe bombed the Yorkshire capital and railway centre.

Her husband, also called James, was office manager at engine part manufacturer Armstrong Oiler Ltd, near Lendal Bridge. He died in 1982.

As she celebrated her birthday with the Sheriff of York Brian Watson and Sheriff’s Lady Marcia Watson in attendance, Mrs Benson was joined by some of her family, which now includes two sons, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.

Her younger son Richard’s wife Janice said: “Baking was her main hobby. She was known for her baking. When I first started going round for Sunday tea, it was one plate of sandwiches and six of cakes. You were expected to try all of them.”

Mrs Benson was born in County Durham on February 1, 1914, and came to York, aged 16, to work at St Olave’s School, Clifton.

She then went into service with the Harding family who used to live in High Ousegate, before marrying her husband and devoting her time to her family.

She was a member of the Methodist woman’s fellowship organisation, and lived in Acomb, first in Acomb Road and then in Poppleton Road.

In her later years, she was in warden controlled accommodation before, three years ago, moving to Derwent House Care Home, Kexby, where she was one of the first residents.

Home staff laid on a party for her with an entertainer, songs, a buffet meal and a cake.