A BORN and bred Knutsfordian has celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and friends.

James Long, who lives on Ella Grove, marked the milestone on Wednesday July 22 with a party on the green outside his house, organised by members of the community.

James has lived in Knutsford his entire life. He was born in Crosstown in 1915 and lived in Springwood Avenue in Shawheath for many years before moving to Ella Grove.

His only surviving relative, Colin Hamman, 78, travelled up from his home in Exeter to enjoy a buffet and glass of wine with his step-father on the special day.

“He is a cracking old chap,” said Colin. “Everybody loves him. He looked after my mum very very well, he really is a grand old gentleman.

“He had a fantastic day,” he added. “He was so excited. The only way that we can communicate with him is by little notes. We said ‘what’s it like to be 100’ and he replied ‘I wish I was 70 again’ we were all laughing.”

The centenarian was married to Colin’s mother, Gladys, in the 1970s and also became stepfather to Coral, who died in 2009 and the late Mayor of Knutsford, Wilson Hamman.

His wife Gladys passed away in 1996, and now James receives unparalleled support from his neighbours, who organised the party and bought his 100th birthday cake.

Colin said: “I live in Exeter, which is a problem. When my sister was alive she looked after him, and then when she passed my brother looked after him. He has no immediate family member in Knutsford.

“He relies on his neighbours. They are splendid. You couldn’t ask for better neighbours.”

As a Second World War veteran, James served in the Royal Artillery, as a result of which he lost the majority of his hearing later in life.

He then worked as a plate man for British Rail before taking his final job at Ilford in Mobberley, before retiring.

He is a ‘keen gardener’ and still tends to the flower beds in his garden, as well as caring for his beloved Scottie dog, Lottie, who he takes for a walk every day.

As well as his party, James received a 100th birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen, which has taken ‘pride of place’ on his mantelpiece.