THE oldest woman in Ryedale was celebrating a special landmark today - her 105th birthday.

Vera Yorke, who lives at the Rockingham House residential home for the elderly in The Mount, Malton, was to receive a special birthday telegram from the Queen. She has already received one from the Bishop of Liverpool, as her late husband, Reginald, was a sculptor at the city's Anglican cathedral.

Musically gifted, Mrs Yorke, who is originally from Liverpool, sang in several choirs and is a self-taught violinist. As a member of the British Musical Society, she regularly performed in musical events at Liverpool's Central Hall.

She worked for several companies as a secretary, including the accountancy department of Liverpool's Liver Building. Mrs Yorke left Liverpool for North Yorkshire when her home was ransacked after her husband's death. She moved in with her daughter Veronica Valentine, and her family in Harrogate, and then went with them when they bought a home in Fryton, near Malton.

Mrs Valentine said: "She has always been an active person and still is."

A mother of two, Mrs Yorke has 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. The staff at Rockingham House were today helping her celebrate her birthday with all her family and the other residents at the home.

Tomorrow she will have another celebratory lunch with her family at the Talbot Hotel.

Updated: 09:01 Friday, April 25, 2003