Five generations of a far-flung family travelled thousands of miles to celebrate a former dressmaker’s 100th birthday.

Phyllis Clifford welcomed 80 guests, including her three-year-old great-great-granddaughter, Maiya, to a party at Wharfedale Court nursing home in Pool-in-Wharfedale today.

Her son, Peter Evans, 66, and his wife Lorraine Bodner travelled from their home in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and there were also relatives from Auckland, New Zealand and China.

Mrs Clifford said: “It is lovely to have all my family with me. A lot of them have not seen each other for years and years.”

The centenarian was born in Otley on May 26, 1911. She said she had fond memories of her youth skating on the frozen River Wharfe and swimming in the river in the summer.

Mrs Clifford worked as a dressmaker and at Wharfe-dale General Hospital until she married former Welsh rugby union international Hayden Evans in 1933. They lived in Manor Street, Otley.

Her niece Sue Mantle, of Church Garth, Pool, said: “She always welcomed people in to the house and she is just the same now. She’s always so pleased to see everyone.”

When asked the secret of a long and happy life, Mrs Clifford replied: “I’ve no idea”, although son Peter said: “A tipple of Famous Grouse whisky, morning, noon and night!”