This sprightly 100-year-old does not know the secret to his long life.

Howard Martin, who lives in Potters Court, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, celebrated his milestone birthday with his favourite tipple – a glass of sherry mixed with red wine.

Mr Martin, who never married, was a staff sergeant in World War Two and later worked for the Department of Education.

After his retirement, he travelled all over the world, holidaying in Germany, France and Switzerland.

Gillian Braithwaite, the manager of Potters Court, organised a party to mark his 100 years.

She said: “He’s a lovely little man, always very polite and smartly dressed. He is very friendly, but quiet and shy.

“He plods on – he doesn’t use a stick or a frame and walks to Sainsbury’s every day.

“I had to check on him the next day to make sure he was okay after the party.”

But when asked what the secret to his 100 years is, he laughed and said: “I have no idea.”

At the party, Sainsbury’s, in Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, gave him a card, some vouchers and a bottle of sherry and red wine.

Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Martin Worster and his wife, Pam, were also invited to the event.

The mayor said: “I am amazed to see such a lovely man, very sprightly, he’s a great guy. I want to see you at my 100th birthday.”