HENRY Mason celebrated his 100th birthday in style, with a party for his family and friends at his Flixton care home on Friday, November 30.

Staff at De Brook Lodge, on Irlam Road, laid on a buffet, cake and entertainer for their newest centenarian, as well as organising for his telegram to be sent from Her Majesty the Queen.

Henry’s niece, Diane Harris, said: “Henry’s longevity is probably down to leading an active lifestyle, cycling, boxing and morris dancing in his earlier days and his daily glass of Guinness, along with the wonderful support of his very good friends.”

For the majority of his life Henry worked as a turner for Linotype & Machinery in Broadheath.

Henry is now a widower, but was for many years was happily married to his wife Nell, who served in the Army Catering Corps and later worked as a supervisor in catering at Stretford Grammar School.

Diane said their marriage was ‘a classic case of the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ Sport has been Henry’s lifelong passion, cycling in particular, a pursuit in which he spent much of his spare time partaking.

He was a member Altrincham Ravens Cycling Club for a number of years and also enjoyed many hours watching cricket on television.

His niece said he was highly delighted to receive his telegram from the Queen and while his 100th birthday is clearly a very special occasion, he has ‘enjoyed each and every birthday generally wining and dining with his friends.’