Young at heart and with a passion for bowls is how friends describe Jim Booth, who celebrated his 100th birthday this week.

On Tuesday, the day after reaching the milestone, the life-long Barnet resident headed to the Glebelands indoor bowls club in Finchley as he does each week, and was met with a special celebration.

“Bowls is my passion,” he said.

He doesn't let his failing sight get in the way, a fierce competitor in the Partially Sighted and Blind Bowls Society.

“I’m very lucky. I’ve lived a good life.”

Friends and bowling buddies presented him with a cake as they chatted over competition and he showed off his card from the Queen.

Jim was born and raised in Whetstone and continues to live an independent life, helped only by a cleaner who visits once a week.

In 1939 he signed up to the war effort, but was denied active service because of his value in the UK through his work with Standard Cables.

He was made home guard however, and was charged with night guard duties at the factory.

For 33 years Jim worked in assembly and wiring for Standard Cables, before retiring and taking up a post at a metal box company in Borehamwood.

The father of two and grandfather of many has maintained one passion throughout his life, and that is bowls.

The sport has taken him abroad and made him many life-long friends, he said.

Adele Wilson, who sees Jim every second Thursday at Food For Thought, a lunch event run by High Barnet Baptist Church, said: “He’s in good health and a real character with lots of stories.

“He said recently that he’s content now that he’s been able to see his children comfortably settled into old age homes.”

His daughter, Jill, is set to attend a special Food for Thought tomorrow in Jim's honour, where Barnet Mayor Lisa Rutter will perconally congratulate Jim on his 100 years.