Dales celebrity Hannah Hauxwell looked completely at ease as she mingled with residents and staff at a North Yorkshire retirement home to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

She was at Tanpit Lodge, in Easingwold, to commemorate the home's milestone by opening its Christmas fair and open day.

It has been 11 years since Hannah gave up her solitary life on a Dales farm to move into a cottage six miles down the valley.

Since then, she has taken her first trips abroad seeing Europe and America - "places one had hardly even heard of and never expected to see."

And Hannah, despite appearing in her trademark headscarf and sturdy outdoor clothing, did not give the impression of somebody who was shy of attention.

Often described as a reluctant celebrity, she was happy to chat, and showed interest in the welfare of all around her, holding open doors and expressing concern that one of the residents was outside without a coat.

"I enjoy meeting people," she said.

"Sometimes you do forget your manners when you are on your own - but I try."

Despite the demands of running a farm now well behind her, Hannah admits she is still rushed off her feet doing her own washing and sewing and travelling a lot.

"I haven't got any problems wondering what to do, it's wondering what to give priority to that's the problem. I wouldn't like to be bored but I'd like to have the time to be bored," she said.

Lyn Scaife, officer in charge of the home, got in touch with Hannah through the Easingwold Lions who know her well.

Lyn said: "She's a lovely woman. The elderly know a lot about her and we've had more visitors than usual because she is here."

Meanwhile, today, staff were holding a party for residents, county council officers, councillors and members of the local community who have supported the home over the last 25 years.

The anniversary date is of special significance to two members of staff, cook Celia Dobson and kitchen assistant Yvonne Warren, as they have worked at the home from its opening.

The lodge, opened in 1975, is a 41-bed home which offers residential care in three units to people with a range of needs.

The Rose Tree unit, which is semi-independent, is equipped with a kitchenette enabling residents to make their own snacks and refreshments.

Sycamore provides residential care to 17 people and two beds for respite care.

The Windsor unit cares for seven residents who are mentally infirm and are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or other types of dementia.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said: "Tanpit Lodge aims to provide a friendly, homely environment and to enhance the quality of life for each individual.