A WOMAN who has lived in Hovingham the majority of her life has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Edith Dyson was born in the village on February 22, 1915, at a house in the main street where her family ran a small-holding.

Her father was also one of the church bellringers and she recalls hearing them rung to celebrate the birth of Hovingham Hall heir Marcus Worsley when she was 10.

After leaving Hovingham Primary School, Edith went into service, cycling from the village to a house near York and coming home each Sunday.

She met her husband, Tom, after his sister married one of her brothers, and they lived briefly in Wombwell, near Barnsley, before returning to Hovingham.

Still living independently, Edith was guest of honour at Hovingham Primary School’s 150th anniversary celebrations last summer.

Family friend Jenny Allanson said Edith was a very content person who enjoyed the company of others. “She is not one for birthdays, but was happy to celebrate this one,” she said.

“Edith loves Hovingham, it is the place where she grew up and she has lots of memories of the village and people who live there.”