Centenarian celebrates living in 'best place on earth' (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Centenarian celebrates living in 'best place on earth'

4:14pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News

A BELGIAN woman who moved to the Yorkshire Dales shortly before the Second World War has celebrated her 100th birthday.

Jose Tyerman came to Britain to visit relatives in Richmond, but while there she met and married a local man and put down roots in the Dales.

Mrs Tyerman, of Reeth, in Swaledale, holds the record for being Richmondshire District Council’s oldest tenant, having lived in council accommodation for more than 50 years.

She said she felt privileged to have spent more than 70 years in “the best place on earth.”

Mrs Tyerman receives support from the authority’s sheltered housing wardens and North Yorkshire County Council carers, who visit her three times a day.

She said: “The Dales are so special. The people are lovely and I really could not have been happier.”

The county council’s care team organised a birthday celebration for Mrs Tyerman, at which she received a telegram from the Queen.

Councillor Clare Wood, executive member for health and adult services, said: “She is a remarkable woman.

“The support team ensures she has everything she needs to lead an independent life.”