MOORE was definitely merrier yesterday as Britain's oldest man chalked up another year in his amazing life.

Frederick William Thomas Moore, of New Milton, celebrated his 109th birthday with a quiet get-together of friends and relatives at the Quakers House care home.

And he was serenaded by a six-piece brass band sent by the Royal Engineers Association, in full regalia, marking his service with the Corps from 1912-19.

Born the second of eight children in 1892, Fred came into a world still largely dominated by the British Empire, ruled by Queen Victoria and run by Prime Minister William Gladstone.

In the intervening years, he served as an Army corporal, trained to become electrician and worked as a scientist for the Ministry of Defence.

And he has made sure his lengthy retirement years have not lain fallow, either.

He took up furniture-making as a hobby, and also attended weekly art classes at New Milton Adult Education Centre until he was 107.

Fred puts his long innings down to "good behaviour, romance and a glass of ale at lunchtime", but longevity seems to be in his family genes.

His mother was in her 90s when she died and his father lived to be 100, while "baby" 92-year-old sister Grace, from Bransgore, was among the five generations of the family who came to congratulate him on his latest milestone.

Home manager Alan Herring, who has known Fred since he was a mere 100, said: "He had a great time, and the brass band turning up to play especially for him was a great surprise. He cannot get around as much as he could a couple of years ago, but he is still bright and alert in his mind, and always cheerful.

"There's no doubt he still enjoys life, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he is around for a good while yet."