She might be 80 years old, but Beatrice Elliott is one of the most active residents in her area!  The popular pensioner is always on the move, whether it’s out shopping or lending a hand around the sheltered accommodation in Coniston Court in Denton Burn, Newcastle.

And the great-grandma spends so much time looking out for other people, there were crowds of friends and family keen to wish her a happy birthday at her 80th bash.

“I didn’t know I knew so many people,” said the modest widow, who would have celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary this yeay, but her husband Frank died six years before they reached the milestone.

“They were all friends and relatives, it was lovely. I like to have a good party!

“I like going out and meeting people,” she said. “I don’t do anything out of the ordinary. I’m here if people want to chat or need help.

“I’ll help in situations like if people have a bit of bother closing their window or if the lights aren’t working.

“Sometimes all it takes is someone to be there for you. A lot of elderly people panic a bit if something happens like they can’t close the window. I think if you can calm them down, that’s all it takes.”

Beatrice, who suffers from arthritis, enjoys spending time with daughter Patricia, 57, of Chapel Park, and her two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“I have got another great-grandchild on the way too,” said Beatrice.