10 of your well-wishes for Mena as she celebrates 109th birthday

Mena Larkin marked her 109th birthday with a special party tea - featuring a gorgeous purple cake adorned with flowers.

She has been living at Westoe Grange Care Home, in Horsley Hill Road, for almost three years and was well known around South Shields.

Mena grew up around South Frederick Street and returned to South Shields in 1971 after spending time in London.

She shared a number of memories with the Gazette - and you had some of your own to share.

Here's some of the birthday messages from social media:

Cheryl McDonald: "We loved meeting Mena on Tuesday and giving her a lovely cake for her special day from all at Community Corner! What a lovely, lovely lady. Thanks to Sharon Todd at Mrs T & Cakes for making the cake its nice for her to have a mention as she squeezed it into her busy schedule for Mena's special day!"

Jill Davis:"Have a lovely birthday Mena that’s quite an achievement."

Samantha Clark: "Happy birthday Mena, she is truly a beautiful lady inside and out."

John Lamb: "Wow 109 years old, what a trooper. Happy Birthday pet."

Ann Wallace: "Happy birthday Mena. Looking fab .don't look a day over 85 wow."

Tess Robison: "Happy 109th birthday Mena loved looking after you."

Deborah Patterson: "Happy birthday Mena, hope you have a lovely day, and a memorable one too. And many more to come."

Elizabeth Hyde: "Happy birthday you wonderful woman."

Tracy Anne Shaw: "Happy birthday Mena! 109 years old. Wow."

Marion Nicholson: "God bless Mena."