A LIFELONG love of gardening has helped Harry Squibb reach the grand old age of 100.

Mr Squibb, who lives in Upwey, Weymouth, celebrated his birthday today surrounded by friends and family.

Daughter, Mrs Stella Jenner and husband Ron, granddaughter Claire Ambler and greatgranddaughters Sarah, 10 and Emily, four, came over from Poole.

Mr Squibb was delighted to receive a special birthday cake and a telegram from the Queen.

Upwey born and bred, Harry worked for almost 40 years on the railways.

Although he was too young for the First World War, he served in the home guard in the Second World War.

He married his wife Alice, also from Upwey, in 1926.

The greenfingered pensioner has always enjoyed vegetable gardening and used to keep bees.

His daughter, Mrs Jenner, said that although Harry had lived a very active life, he had another explanation for reaching 100 years of age.

She said: "He says it's luck, just the pick of the draw."