NURSING home resident Lily Arnold celebrated a century of golden years when she turned 100 yesterday.

Mrs Arnold, who lives at the Somerset Nursing Home, in Wheldrake, was joined by her niece, Helen Williams, and great-great-niece, four-month-old Hannah Weatherstone, to mark her achievement with a party at the home.

Mrs Arnold was born and brought up in Liverpool and moved to York earlier this year to be closer to members of her family.

Mrs Williams said her aunt married in her 40s and spent much of her working life at solicitors' firms in Liverpool.

She said: "She also lived in Wales from her late 60s until her late 90s. She can't quite believe she is 100. Lily thinks she has been really lucky."

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, November 20, 2002