THE oldest lifeboat man in the country has celebrated his 101st birthday.

Sid Arrowsmith, from Darlington, was made an honorary crew member of the RNLI lifeboat station at Redcar, last year.

He celebrated his milestone birthday with friends and family at Westfield House residential home in Darlington.

Mr Arrowsminth, who has been a member of the RNLI for 70 years, was an avid fundraiser earlier in his life.

Among charities he helped were the Club and Institute Union, The Talking Newspaper and The Samaritans.

Karen Fowler of the care home said: "He is still in amazing health and is very mobile. He invited some friends and family to tea to celebrate his big day and they had a great time."