Ex-boot and shoe clicker born in his upstairs bedroom gears up to celebrate 100th birthday

George, 99, will be surrounded by his friends and family at his 100th party, on March 25, two days before his birthday.

George Smith of Leslie Road in Semilong was born in his upstairs bedroom on March 27, 1918, where he still lives almost 100 years later.

After leaving school at 14 years old he got his first job at Churches factory and became a clicker for 52 years - where he cut shapes from skins of leather to form the upper part of boot and shoes.

He was called up to the Army in 1939 before being deployed to countries including Madagascar, Burma and Palestine with the Northamptonshire Regiment as a private in the 2nd battalion in 1940.

George pictured back in the 1940s during his time in the Army.

After his six years deployment, he met his Bristol-born wife, Cath in the Vine Inn pub on Abington Street after she moved to the town when the factory she worked at in the West Country was bombed.

The pair, who tied the knot in 1947, enjoyed holidays away to Ramsgate with their in-laws, and George also enjoyed going away fishing with friends and watching the Cobblers.

George, who is uncle to Brian, Liz and Anne, said the trick to a long life is "hard work" and "beer".