A COCKERMOUTH woman has celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family from far and wide.

Eleanor Sewell, who was born in Aspatria but lived most of her life in Eaglesfield, enjoyed a party in the village hall.

Her Bridgend Court home is full of gifts, flowers and cards, including one from the Queen.

The mother of three who was seriously ill in her twenties went on to be a grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of 10. She was delighted to be joined by so many family, including her granddaughter Denise who lives in Australia.

Over the weekend of celebrations her granddaughters Aimi, who lives in Norwich, and Kara, who lives in Scotland, both announced they were pregnant.

Mrs Sewell and her first husband, Joe Farley, a farm worker, had three sons – Henry and Ronnie, who have died, and Geoffrey. They were married for 44 years before Mr Farley passed away.

Mrs Sewell later married Bob Sewell, who passed away two days after their 25th wedding anniversary.

She has fond memories of life in Eaglesfield, where she went to Eaglesfield Paddle School. She remembers collecting water from a village well, having an outside toilet, washing clothes with a wooden mangle and bathing in a tin bath in front of the fire.

“I would walk to Cockermouth to get the shopping. Sometimes I used a bicycle,” said Mrs Sewell.

“I loved living in Eaglesfield.”

She did a bit of cleaning for other households and was well known for her love of animals.

“If anyone lost a cat or dog in the village they always came to me to see if it was with me,” said Mrs Sewell. “I love animals. My son used to say I would take in a camel if it was possible!”

In her late 20s, Mrs Sewell had TB and had to spend a year in the Blencathra Sanitorium. Husband Joe would have to take two or three buses with the children to go and visit her.

“After being so ill it’s amazing she has got to 100,” said granddaughter Helen Mackay, of Gilcrux.

“She has always had a positive attitude and been jolly. She would do anything for anyone and is a very loving nana.”

Mrs Sewell used to love dancing when she was younger. “I’ve always loved dancing and would have danced at my birthday party if I could have done!” she said.