Keeping in touch with people, enjoying the company of friends and remaining active are the keys to a long, healthy life according to one of Settle High School's most well-known former teachers.

Onyx Ralph is celebrating her 90th birthday today with a party at The Falcon Manor, in Settle. Guests from as far away as Sweden and Holland will attend the party, which Miss Ralph says is being held in appreciation of all her good friends.

Brought up in Settle, Miss Ralph won a scholarship to the Girls' High School and decided she wanted to be a PE teacher.

She also became accomplished at needlecraft and lacework.

She trained at Lincoln College from 1937 to 1939 and completed her final year at Homerton College, Cambridge, in 1947, to obtain her third year qualification for physical education.

Her teaching career took her to Maltby School, near Rotherham, Barnoldswick Secondary Modern School, where she took a year out to attend Cambridge, and Skegness Grammar School.

In 1954, she relocated to Carlisle County High School, but disliked the damper climate and applied for - and secured - a post at Settle Girls' High as PE mistress. Now living in Duke Street, Miss Ralph said: "I was pleased to come back to Settle. It is a special town with very special people and I loved going back to Settle Girls' High knowing that it was going to become a comprehensive within a few years."

The school has since changed its status once again and is now known as Settle College.

As well as her role as PE mistress - particularly enjoying hockey - Miss Ralph took lessons for absent teachers between 1955 and 1978. She eventually became deputy headmistress.

Miss Ralph prides herself on being independent and in general rude health, enjoying regular attendance at Settle Parish Church and shopping in the town.

She is also as sharp as ever, and her memory never ceases to astound her former pupils; instantly remembering them together with the names of their siblings.

"Keeping active and alert has been important to me. Being a PE teacher has taught me that I do have a bit of wear and tear," said Miss Ralph.

"I also think it is important to keep in touch with people. I enjoy people's company and think friends are a very important part of life. My birthday party is my way of thanking as many people as I can who have supported me."