FIVE generations of family joined in the celebrations as Bill March marked his 100th birthday.

The Dorchester resident, who cites quitting smoking at the age of 70 as one of the keys to his longevity, also received a birthday visit from the town’s mayor Les Phillips on his big day.

Former motor engineer Bill, who has lived in the county town since he was 17, welcomed members of family from Indiana and Florida in America.

The day before his birthday saw 60 friends and family members turn out for a party at Bill’s Weatherbury Way home.

Bill – who has four grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 11 great great grandchildren in total – said he was delighted to celebrate the occasion with so many of his family.

He said: “It’s nice to have all my family here and it’s an honour to have a visit from the mayor.”

Bill’s daughter Hazel married American serviceman Art Nicholas and moved out to America, initially to Michigan and then Florida.

Joining Hazel and Art on their trip across the Atlantic for Bill’s birthday was Bill’s granddaughter Pam Lindley, her husband Dallis and their son Kyle.

Also present for the birthday celebrations were Pam’s sister Terri Nicholas, her husband Larry LeMaire, her brother Jeff Nicholas, his wife Kathy and their grandson Devin – Bill’s great great grandson.

Coun Phillips said: “I know Bill from when he was at the Exhibition Hotel and grew up knowing him.

“He’s a highly-respected man in our town and on behalf of Dorchester I wish him every success on his 100th birthday and for many years to come.”

After spending much of his early life moving around – his dad was in the army and he was born in Deepcut Barracks in Surrey – Bill settled in Dorchester, where he met his wife Gladys. He said: “I have been happy here and I didn’t want to travel too much.”

Bill began his working life at the old Exhibition Hotel in London Road, working at the petrol pumps after his dad took over the establishment.

After a stint at Bincleaves naval base in Weymouth during the Second World War, Bill returned to the Exhibition Hotel.

He later took on the role of manager at the Esso gas station and garage in London Road before spending his final working years at the Shell petrol station.

Daughter Hazel said: “I think he’s amazing, he still takes care of himself.

“He gave up smoking at the age of 70, which has helped.”