A Teesside woman known as 'The Chicken Whisperer' has celebrated her 100th birthday and shared her secret to a long life.

Irene Fleming, a resident at Mandale House Care Home in Thornaby, marked the milestone with three generations of her family.

The title of 'The Chicken Whisperer' was earned during her time at the care home, when she calmed hens brought in to boost residents' wellbeing.

This skill was honed during her stint in the Women's Land Army in World War II, where she worked on a farm at Shincliffe Hall near Durham, planting and harvesting crops and looking after animals, including chickens.

She said: "The hens thought I was their mum as they would come when I called them.

Irene celebrates surrounded by family at Mandale House Care Home, Thornaby. (Image: Mandale House)

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