GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Edith Daniels celebrates her 100th birthday today.

Edith, originally from Thirsk, moved to York when she married Fred, a railway passenger guard, in 1923.

Although Fred has since died, Edith still lives in the house they bought together in Thorpe Street, York.

Fit and healthy, Edith has led a busy life. She used to work as a paper girl in Northallerton, where she grew up.

She said: "I've always liked York, but there have been a lot of changes over the years, housing and traffic in particular."

According to Edith the secret of her long life is: "Taking each day as it comes, not having a little drop now and then and not smoking.

"I also sing all sorts to myself and I used to play bowls down in Rowntree Park with a girl who had the same birthday as me; we used to have a lot of fun."

Care Leader Jonathan Smith, who sees Edith at York's Oliver House, said: "Edith's always pleasant and always polite, but I wouldn't say quiet. She really likes the others' company and has a lot of friends.

"They do tend to gang up on me though, so I make sure that they're OK and have cups of tea ready."

Edith was celebrating with a family get-together today. She said: "I'm really looking forward to seeing all my friends and my grandson, David."

Updated: 10:10 Thursday, June 26, 2003