British WW2 veteran celebrates 107th birthday in style

A North East World War II RAF veteran marked his 107th birthday with hundreds of birthday cards and a sing-along at his care home in Darlington.

Harold Hodgson, believed to be one of the North East's oldest men, celebrated on Saturday at The Grange Care Home with his family, friends, the Royal British Legion and the Mayor.

He was born in Darlington on November 7, 1919, and served in the RAF in Belgium, France, Germany and Holland.

The celebrations included live music, dancing, and a Remembrance sing-along recognising Harold's five years of service in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

John Smith, Chairperson of the Royal British Legion's Darlington branch, presented Harold with a medal in recognition of his wartime service.

He was accompanied by Angus Dare, the branch's standard bearer. The Mayor of Darlington also attended to wish Harold a happy birthday.

The occasion was made even more special by the response to an appeal from the care home, which had hoped to collect 107 birthday cards to mark Harold's 107 years.

The appeal far exceeded expectations, with more than 300 cards arriving from across the UK, including as far away as Devon.

Harold was delighted by the celebrations, telling the team at The Grange that it had been "the best day of his life".

Harold joined the RAF aged 22 and served for five years as ground staff, spending time in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norfolk.

Born and raised in Darlington's Rise Carr area, Harold has spent almost his entire life in the town.

Following his RAF service, he worked for the Northern Gas Board and later for the council.

Harold has enjoyed keeping active throughout his life, with swimming, cycling, badminton, walking and hiking among his favourite pastimes.

His late wife, Sylvia, shared his love of exploring the countryside, with the couple enjoying holidays and days out across England.

Reflecting on his remarkable longevity, Harold credits staying active and maintaining a positive outlook as important parts of a happy life.

His daughter, Christine Gibbon, said: "He's been the life and soul of the party, he's kept himself really fit, and it's an achievement to get to 107."

Her sister, Margaret Hart, added: "I'm so proud of him, I mean he's lived a full life, he's enjoyed it."

Carmen Miclea, Home Manager at The Grange Care Home, said: "It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate Harold’s 107th birthday with him and his family.

"He had a wonderful day, and hearing him describe it as the best day of his life made it even more special for everyone involved.

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"Kindness is key to everything we do at The Grange, and the response to our birthday card appeal was a lovely reminder of that.

"We hoped to collect 107 cards, but to receive more than 300 from people across the country was incredible.

"We’re so grateful to everyone who sent a card, joined us for the celebrations or helped make the day so memorable for Harold. It’s a birthday we’ll all remember for a long time."

It comes as veterans were honoured this morning for held Armistice Day today.

Also known as Remembrance Day, Armistice Day on November 11 is a day for remembering the millions upon millions of soldiers and civilians killed during World War I.

The Armistice is an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on November 11, 1918.

To this day we mark Armistice Day around the UK with a Two Minute Silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Today, the National Remembrance Gardens will host their annual service on top of the Armed Forces Memorial.

Visitors are welcome to view and participate in the service from Heroes' Square, where the service will be shown on a large screen.

The service commemorates the signing of the Armistice which brought an end to the First World War and remembers all those who gave their lives in service to their country since 1914.

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