WEYMOUTH’S oldest man Jim Henderson proved that he still has a great appetite for life as he turned 104.

Mr Henderson tucked into a birthday cake and enjoyed listening to an accordionist at a birthday tea with family and fellow residents at the Trafalgar Care Home in Weymouth.

His daughter Margaret Parmley, 64, from Weymouth, said: “It’s amazing that dad has reached this age.

“He was born a very delicate child and was told not to do sport and to look after himself.

“I didn’t think he would live this long.

“He’s always been very healthy and active and walked a lot. He still has a great appetite.”

Granddad-of-three Mr Hender-son turned his hand to many different trades during his long life.

He worked as a greengrocer in Blackpool, a bus conductor in Harrogate, worked for the Atomic Energy Authority in Salwick near Preston and ran a fish and chip shop in Preston and another in Blackpool.

Mrs Parmley’s husband, Lieu-tenant Colonel Nat Parmley – former commandant of the Wyke Training Area – said: “Jim is a very generous grandfather and was always supporting his grandchildren in every way.

“When they went to university he helped them out as much as he could.”

Mrs Parmley’s mum Jane died when she was 18 months old and she was brought up by the Methodist Church in Harrogate.

She said: “I would see dad on holiday and then saw more of him from when I was 17. It’s strange to be here today with dad at this age.

“It’s been a quiet, low-key family celebration.”

Mr Henderson served as a linesman with the Royal Signals in North Africa and Italy in the Second World War and moved to Weymouth in 1999 to be near his daughter and son-in-law.

He is now looking ahead to his 105th birthday so he can get a second message from the Queen.