A woman who crocheted 100 poppies for an event in Hexham has hit the centenary mark herself.

Vera Stonehouse has strong links to Hexham, as she regularly visits the town and get involved with community events as her grandson Chris Aitchson lives in the area.

She celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday but is humble about reaching the landmark.

On how it feels to be turning 100, Vera said: "The same as any other birthday I suppose. I didn't expect all the fuss people are making over it."

Vera said that she has had no regrets in her life, she said that she had a wonderful husband and that she would not change a thing.

On any advice she might have for a long and happy life, Vera said: "Don't drink and don't smoke! You can have a little drink but not too much!"

Last year Vera crocheted 100 poppies for an event in Hexham celebrating the war horses after Vera herself supported the war effort in WW2.

In her early years Vera lived in Newcastle with her husband Andrew and two children Malcolm and Carol, she was a professional ballroom dancer and entrepreneur owning her own hair salon.

She was born in 1921 in Byker, and was the youngest of 13 children and is now the grandparent of four grandchildren and great grandma of five.

Yesterday Vera celebrated her birthday surrounded by her family and friends. Unfortunately one of Vera's grandchildren Carly was unable to make the trip from Canada to the UK but joined in the celebrations over Facetime.

Vera also visited Langley Castle to mark the occasion and has close friends and family back at her house then on Saturday a party will be held with a wider group of Vera's friends.