A MAN who lives at Ledbury Nursing Home has celebrated reaching his centenarian milestone with a party. 

Gordon Watkins, who was born and bred in Herefordshire, celebrated his 100th birthday on 1 May with balloons, banners, music, tea and cake.

He served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) on an aircraft carrier during the Second World War, and later worked as an engineer for the Midlands Electricity Board.

His two children were both unable to visit him on his birthday, but Mr and Mrs Jones, who are longstanding friends of Gordon, joined in with the party.

Lauren Nelson-Jones, manager of the Shaw healthcare-operated home, said: “We hope Gordon enjoyed the birthday celebrations that we were able to arrange for him.

"It’s been a challenging year but it was great to see smiles across the home on what marks a special occasion for Gordon.

“He was absolutely thrilled to have received a letter from the Queen, and we’re so glad to have been a part of his special day.”