A former World War II telephone engineer celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family at his favourite New Malden pub.

Douglas Hammersley, visited his local, Woodies Freehouse, in Thetford Road, on Tuesday, September 8, to celebrate his big day. He has been a regular at the boozer for the past 68 years.

Campaign for Real Ale presented the New Malden man with a lifetime achievement award at his party.

Young’s also presented Mr Hammersley with a book celebrating breweries for his “long service” to favourite beer Young’s bitter.

Friend Roger Sheffield said: “Everyone who knows him respects him. He is a polite gentleman of the old school and a lovely person.

“He enjoys the disco evenings at Woodies, although he now has to rely on a walking stick in one hand and a pretty lady to hang on to on the other.”

Mr Hammersley served during the war making electrical components, but because of secrecy was never told what they were used for.

He moved from Newcastle Under-Lyme, Staffordshire, after the war and has eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

His wife Zena passed away in 2005. They had been married for 64 years.