WHEN Thomas Hall was a boy, footballers grew handlebar moustaches and travelled to the match on the same train as the fans.

These days millionaire players have salon-styled haircuts and sweep past fans in their sports cars.

But the changes do not matter to Newcastle United supporter Thomas Hall - as far as he's concerned he will support his beloved Magpies forever.

The former miner celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday, surrounded by family and friends at Walting House, County Durham Care's residential home in Leadgate, near Consett.

Mr Hall, who also likes a bet on the horses, washed his birthday cake down with a glass of beer.

He was born in Gateshead, but his family moved to Leadgate shortly after.

He left school at 14 and worked at the nearby Derwent Pit until he was 62.