ONE of Norton's best loved personalities, Mrs Georgina Jones has just celebrated her 95th birthday - and marked 70 years of living in the same house!

For sprightly Mrs Jones is believed to be the longest serving tenant of Ryedale Housing Association at her home in the town's Dean Road.

She moved to Norton as a girl from Ponteland in Tyne and Wear, when she went into service initially as a scullery maid, then a kitchen maid and eventually cook to a well-to-do local family, and met her future husband, Ernest who worked for the Eastwood family as a horseman.

She was left with five children to bring up after her husband died suddenly at the age of 41, and today her vast family numbers 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

An immensely house-proud lady, Mrs Jones is a well known figure at Trinity Methodist Church where she attends guild meetings and also goes to the Salvation Army for her mid-day meal once a week and to meet old friends for a chat, while the WRVS meals-on-wheels service also makes a weekly visit.

Cheery Mrs Jones who, say neighbours is always laughing and joking, was a keen old time dancer until just three or four years ago, at Malton's Milton Rooms and Church House, Norton.

Recently, she was introduced to the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne as a well-known character, by Norton's Mayor, Coun Keith Mennell.

"Mrs Jones is a lovely woman - always happy and a joy to know" said Coun Mennell.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, September 18, 2002