A CENTENARIAN said the key to a long life is to 'take each day as it comes'.

Cresswell Allan was born in 1915 and grew up in the Bobblestock area of Hereford.

As a young man Mr Allan spent several years in Belgium during his time with the Royal Air Force and he served during the Second World War.

It was his role with the RAF that saw him stationed in Coventry when it was bombed and he said he saw 'terrible destruction' during his time in the city.

After returning to Herefordshire, Mr Allan was a maintenance fitter at Wiggins for 25 years and retired from work in the early 1990s.

He was married to wife, Doris, for many years before she sadly died 19 years ago.

Having had a passion for motorbike and car racing, Mr Allan attended many events around the country when he could.

He has two sons, Ray and Keith, three grandsons and six great grandchildren and is now settled at Credenhill Court Rest Home.

Staff at the home described Mr Allan as always being appreciative of everything and with a good sense of humour.

He will celebrate turning 100 on Monday (August 31) with a party at the home.