Frank reaches his 100th

Frank Smith of Millwood Court, Royton, will celebrate his 100th birthday today with his wife of 75 years, Dorothy (97), and family in Lytham St Annes.

A special guest will be his daughter Eileen Cooper, who has flown from her home in Florida to join the party.

Born and brought up in Oldham, Frank was the youngest of seven children in an Army family, and at the start of World War II he too joined the Army - sailing abroad on the day of his son’s birth.

As a bombardier, Frank served in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Egypt and Palestine.

Frank believes his passion for cycling and the outdoors has kept him in good shape and in old age he retains a strong sense of humour.

Frank said: “We have looked after each other. That’s why we have lived so long.”