A BINGO-LOVING centenarian from Dalton celebrated her milestone birthday with a surprise party organised by her two nieces.

Eleanor Simpson, who has lived in sheltered accommodation at Coronation House in Coronation Drive, Dalton, for the past 12 years, turned 100 on Tuesday November 8 and was treated to a huge birthday extravaganza.

She said: "I had no idea this was going on. I had been out and then I came back and saw all this and nearly had a fit.

"It's nice and it makes a change to have all these people here to celebrate it with me. I had lots of cards and a telegram off the Queen. I really have had a lovely day."

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Mrs Simpson was born in Dalton before moving to London aged 17 where she lived for decades before returning to Cumbria to live in Coronation House in 2004.

Runah Callow, 83, who helped to organise Auntie Nellie's celebration, said: "It was so lovely. She was excited about it all day and it was very nice to see everybody here. I know that it meant so much to her."

The sprightly centenarian, who also got four bottles of gin for her birthday, admitted that she likes to enjoy the odd tipple from time to time and said that having one gin and tonic a night has helped her to reach the century landmark.

Mrs Simpson's other niece, Freda Corkish, 81, also helped to sort out the celebration which saw more than 40 people cram into the dining room of Coronation House to enjoy a finger buffet and a magic show.

She said: "I think it's wonderful to have everybody here. I am so proud of her and I am just hoping that I have got her genes so I can reach the same milestone and I will be having a similar party one day."

Stan Walmsley is the chairman of the Dalton accommodation which provides a home to anyone so long as they are physically and mentally fit.

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In front of Mrs Simpson's closest friends and family he gave a humorous but heartfelt speech as he praised the centenarian for bringing warmth and friendliness to Coronation House.

He said: "On July 29, 2004, we had a new special resident come to live here and I must be doing something right because I haven't been able to get rid of her and she is still here today.

"She is amazing and also a lovely, pleasant woman who is no problem whatsoever and you would never realise that she is as old as she is.

"Nellie is a very special lady at this house and we are most pleased to have her with us for as long as she wishes to stay."