A FORMER pitman was joined by family and friends to celebrate his 100th birthday today (Thursday, May 30).
Bill Richardson of Kneller Close, Stanley, County Durham, went down the pit at Morrison Busty, in nearby Annfield Plain, as a young teenager.
He later worked as an electrician’s mate at Eveready in Tanfield Lea, before he retired.
Mr Richardson, who was married twice, was a lifelong member of the Stanley Empire Club.
Nephew Bill Richardson, who was named after him, said: “His secret to long life is never having smoked. He also used to do a lot of walking. And he enjoyed a game of snooker.”
The centurion’s long-term friend Irene Turner, 81, travelled from Doncaster to join a surprise party staged for him at The Hilltop, in East Stanley.
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