A Second World War veteran living in Surbiton has celebrated turning 100 years old.
Douglas Jakeman, who lives at The Royal Star and Garter Homes, spent the day surrounded by family, friends and fellow residents.
His daughter Brenda gave a speech at the party, saying: “All of the family love you, Dad. I would like to thank you and Mum for starting our family all those years ago.
“We are very proud of you. You are our hero and always have been. We hope to have many more happy times like this together.”
Mr Jakeman spent the party dancing with his daughters and chatting with guests, enjoying champagne, cake and music from local duo A Couple of Swells.
He said he had a “great time”.
During the war, qualified mortar gunner Mr Jakeman joined the Ninth Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and was a tank driver in north Africa and Italy.
He was captured and held in a prisoner of war camp in Poland from September 1943 until the camp was liberated in April 1945.
Now he lives with dementia, receiving specialist care at the home to ensure he lives life as fully as possible.
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