A WOMAN who has made her mark on the county's music circles has celebrated turning 100.

Born in Herefordshire, Dorothy Pettit spent her early years and part of her teaching career in the county.

After retiring in 1977 she returned to live in Hereford in 1983.

A keen harpist, Dorothy taught music until well into her 90s, often allowing her pupils to borrow from her collection of instruments – several of which she made herself.

She was well known in amateur music circles around the county, playing her harp with Bandemonium and taking her students into the city streets during the Three Choirs Festivals.

Three of her former pupils, one of whom is now studying harp at Trinity College of Music, provided entertainment at her birthday celebration in Moccas village hall on April 5.

She was joined by friends, family and others who had been part of her life.

Dorothy says she attributes her longevity to a "healthy lifestyle" and adhering to a strict, mainly vegetarian, diet.