A WELL-KNOWN former West End school teacher Stella Delf, pictured, was today chalking up 100 years.

The youngest of eight children, Hampshire's latest centenarian comes from a family which has a long life gene. For her sisters lived to the grand ages of 88, 95, 96, 99 and 102.

Born in Wyke Regis, Weymouth, Stella taught in several schools in Dorset before moving to St James Church of England School at West End in 1924 where she taught for more than 30 years.

Her late husband, Thomas Delf was a planning engineer at the Supermarine Works in Woolston, Southampton and involved in building sea planes and the legendary Spitfire.

She retired in 1958 giving her time to visit her sisters and to tend to her garden.

In January 2000 she moved to the Abbey House Nursing Home, Netley where she has made new friends.

Stella has one daughter, two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters and her golden day was celebrated with a family party at the Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hedge End.

Among the guests were her two bridesmaids Ann Nicholston and Jean Walters.