Two clubs in Menston are toasting a landmark birthday of a long-lived member.

Jack Hilditch, joined in the first of several special celebrations yesterday as he prepares to mark his 100th birthday tomorrow.

Menston Retired Men’s Forum got the celebrations started at Kirklands Community Centre yesterday with a drinks and a buffet, and a presentation of memorabilia recalling the era of Mr Hilditch’s birth.

He will join fellow members of the Kirklands Monday Retirement Group next week for another birthday celebration.

Mr Hilditch lives with his son, Martin, 62, at Derry Hill Gardens in Menston.

Martin said his father is looking forward to his message from the Queen. “He’s even moved pictures about in the house so he’ll have somewhere to put it when it comes,” he said.

Originally from Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland, Mr Hilditch moved to the area with his family when he was a boy.

He worked for many years at Peates Mill in Guiseley. He went on to run newsagents shops, first at Hyde Park, Leeds, and later at North Cave, near Hull, before moving to Yeadon.

He served with the Royal Artillery in Burma during the Second World War. Mr Hilditch married twice. His first wife died in the 1950s, and his second wife passed away several years ago.