Ninety-year-old Norah Dunning, who was diagnosed with cancer more than ten years ago, helped raise hundreds of pounds for St Leonard's Hospice at her birthday bash.

Mrs Dunning, from York, asked guests who joined the festivities not to buy any presents as she wanted instead to help other people.

Her family, which has had relatives cared for in St Leonard's, donated more than £300 to a collection for the hospice.

Mrs Dunning's niece, Mary Broadhead, of Newland Park Drive, York, said the family was delighted to be able to celebrate this important milestone with her aunt who was diagnosed with cancer over a decade ago.

They were glad to use the opportunity to help other people as well, she said.

Janet Morley, fundraising manager at St Leonard's Hospice, said: "We are very grateful to Norah and her family and friends for raising so much for the work of the hospice. We wish Norah a very happy birthday."

Updated: 10:30 Monday, August 08, 2005