AFTER more than a century, this birthday boy still has a smile on his face.

Retired Brigadier Rupert Crowdy turned 104 on Wednesday and celebrated the milestone with friends, family and staff at the Cotswold Home in Bradwell, just outside Burford.

The father, grandfather, great-grandfather and soon to be great-great-grandfather is the oldest resident at the care home and was thrilled with his glass of bubbly and birthday lunch.

He said: “I’ve been very well spoiled by the home and I don’t feel my age at all.

“I have had about 30 cards so far today. I don’t really need anything at my time of life. I’m happy to have a nice time with my family.”

Mr Crowdy joined the Northumberland Fusiliers when he was 18 and within 18 months was accepted into Sandhurst on a scholarship. He later joined the Indian Army with the 17th Dogra Regiment and joined the British Army in 1947 after India became independent.

He said: “My 18 months at Sandhurst were some of the best times of my life. The discipline was strict.”

He became a brigadier and retired from the army in 1963, going on to work for the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

His family come from the Cotswolds. He has been living at the care home for the past 11 years. Mr Crowdy enjoys spending time with his three daughters Sue Norton, Jill Cross and Phillippa Brooke.

He said: “I enjoy reading and going out to lunch in local restaurants or pubs. I also go to the theatre in Oxford.”