A GRAND old man celebrated his 100th birthday with cards, presents – and, of course, a telegram from the Queen.

George Bisgrove also received congratulations from the mayors of Newton Aycliffe and Shildon to mark the occasion.

Mr Bisgrove, a resident at Bethany House Nursing Home, in Newton Aycliffe, is originally from Taunton, Somerset.

After service as a cook in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, he settled with his wife, Vera, in her home town, Shildon, County Durham.

Following his naval service, Mr Bisgrove worked at a chemical plant in Faverdale, Darlington, and during retirement was a familiar face as doorman at the new Shildon club.

Vera passed away in 2001 and the couple had no children, but helping Mr Bisgrove celebrate his birthday was great niece Victoria Winchester.

“He thoroughly enjoyed his day,” she said.