Descendants of a family who helped build almshouses unveiled a plaque to mark the anniversary of their construction.

The Thomas Watson Cottage Homes, in Leecroft Road, Barnet, were built 100 years ago in memory of Thomas Watson.

Mr Watson was a general manager and proprietor of Sutton & Co Hauliers, in central London.

His daughters, Annie and Florence, decided to build 12 homes for his employees after his death in 1910.

Three of Mr Watson’s great grandchildren – Robert Colgate, Sarah Housden and Heather Colgate – attended the celebrations last week.

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers and deputy mayor of Barnet, Councillor David Longstaff, also took part.

Their cousin, Mrs Jenny Harrold, chairman of the trustees for the almshouses, said: “For our family this is a very special place where 100 years ago the two aunts declared the home open.

“Here today we have three direct descendants of Thomas Watson and ten relatives connected through marriage. Trustees presented commemorative paperweights to the people living here.”