Over 200 guests from across the country  travelled to North Yorkshire to help a “remarkable centenarian” celebrate her milestone birthday.

Ann Lilly, one of the first female radiographers in the North, is known to many as Sister Lilly.

She featured in the world famous James Herriot novels as Sister Rose, a nurse who helped abandoned animals. 

Originally from Stockton, she trained as a radiographer after qualifying as a nurse, at a time when little was known about the value of X-rays.

She went on to help set up the Middlesbrough and District School of Radiography with Dr William Irwin, transferring to the Friarage Hospital at Northallerton when the RAF departed in the 1950’s to carry on the work.

But Ann, from Brompton, Northallerton, became increasingly concerned about stray cats and dogs, helping establish the Jerry Green centre at Catton , near Thirsk.

Author Alf White, who wrote the James Herriot novels, opened the centre for her.

Over the years thousands of pounds has been raised by Sister Lilly with the work continuing through her animal foundation trust, run with the help of trustees.

She said:” I’ve been very lucky, made so many friends and worked with many interesting people. The party was spectacular for me, just to see so many people again.

"Working with the animals has been so important. We have to make sure no animals are put to sleep, we have had such a huge amount of support over the years, people are very kind in helping us to help them.

Friend and supporter Judith Baglee added: "Sister Lilly is a remarkable woman, she’s caring and so interested in other people, and has devoted her life to helping rescue strays and unwanted animals.

Her 100th birthday party was held in the Golden Lion, Northallerton, on Sunday.