A CENTENARIAN celebrated his birthday with cake and an entertainer singing songs from the 1930s.

Retired glove maker John Hardcastle enjoyed the celebrations with friends and family at Glebe Court Nursing Home, Glebe Way, West Wickham.

Long life is not uncommon in the family of the former Fownes Gloves worker.

Mr Hardcastle's mother lived until she was 108 and his wife Winifred lived until she was 92.

Daughter Mary Hardcastle, 68, of The Grove, West Wickham, said: "It was an excellent celebration, especially as he is the first resident of Glebe Court Nursing Home to celebrate a 100th birthday there."

Mr Hardcastle's birthday was on January 17.

The Government Actuaries Department says 0.2 per cent of men born in England and Wales in 1906 will reach 100 years old.