CELEBRATING a century not out is Gertrude Pemberton, who has turned 100 today.

Born in Bolton, Mrs Pemberton moved to Upper Poppleton, York, after the death of her husband James, in 1968, and became a resident at Lime Tree House, in Main Street, two years ago.

She has one son, Keith, 70, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Keith, who also lives in Upper Poppleton and is a retired music teacher, said the secret of her long life had been her easy going nature. "She is wonderfully easy going. Nothing seems to stress her and I think that's been the secret of her long life," he said.

"During the war she served in the Women's Voluntary Service, but she was a housewife after that. She has always been the boss of the family!

"Despite being partially deaf since childhood she has been very active and always liked to try new things."

Today Mrs Pemberton was enjoying a party with family and friends at the home.

Updated: 11:43 Saturday, September 08, 2001