A Sale care home resident revealed his secret to living a long life as he celebrated his 100th birthday.

Herbert Finney, who goes by Bert, from Oakfield Croft, on Oakfield, marked the impressive milestone on Monday, January 9, surrounded by family members, residents and team members to toast the special occasion.

Revealing his secret to a long and happy life, Bert, well-known at the home for his love of football and sense of humour, said: “Eat well, sleep well, and you’ll be just fine”.

Enjoying the special day with a slice of birthday cake and a host of special gifts, the team threw a spectacular party to ensure Bert enjoyed a celebration to remember.

Daniel Cole, home manager at Oakfield Croft, said: “Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating Bert’s birthday, and he was particularly pleased to see his family surprise him for the party.

“Bert has been living at Oakfield Croft for just under a year now, and it’s fair to say the home wouldn’t be the same without him. Bert’s wonderful outlook on life never fails to make us smile and his quick wit definitely keeps us on our toes!

“Here at Oakfield Croft, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Bert’s 100th was no exception. We had great fun decorating the home and baking him a special birthday cake.”

Messenger Newspapers: Bert celebrating his 100th with team members Bert celebrating his 100th with team members (Image: Oakfield Croft)

Bert was born and raised in Ardwick, Greater Manchester, in 1923.

Attending school in Ardwick, Bert went on to become an Engineer Officer in the Merchant Navy in 1939 and oversaw the maintenance of an entire ship.

Bert later moved into teaching, where he taught engineering at The Manchester College for eight years, before retiring aged 62.

Bert met his wife Betty and the pair were married in 1947.

The couple shared a lifetime of happy memories and went on to have two children together, Robin and Brenda. The pair marked seventy-five special years of marriage together before Betty sadly passed away in 2022.

Oakfield Croft care home is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge, as well as facilities like a cinema, coffee shop and hair salon.