A DECORATED war veteran who risked his life to serve his country will celebrate his 102nd birthday next month – and his friends and family need your help to make it a milestone he never forgets.

His loved ones have called on the public to send a card to Sid Wilson, from Cinnamon Brow, ahead of his birthday celebration.

The granddad-of-one, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the air force for four-and-a-half years, will be surprised with the collection of cards at a Town Hall reception two days before his birthday on September 7.

It is hoped he will receive at least 102 cards to mark his 102nd birthday.

Sid's friend Julie Francis, 49, said: "He is so deserving of this as he is a gentleman through and through.

"It's our way of celebrating everything he has done for his country as well as celebrating his birthday."

Sid, who was 23 years old when he joined the volunteer reserve, has been awarded a number of medals for his service.

But he remains modest about his heroic efforts.

During his years with the air force, Sid held a number of responsibilities including the maintenance of machine guns and the flying panel – spending many hours inside spitfire planes.

Opening up about his experience during the war, he said: “The aircrew were very busy all the time.

“My lot used to follow the eighth Army who were doing all the fighting.

“When they advanced, we advanced making sure we were right behind them.

“When they retreated, we retreated even quicker than they did.”

“They used to say it was to get the aircraft somewhere safe but I’m convinced it was to look after me."

The majority of Sid’s time in the air force was spent abroad before returning home in 1944.

Sid, who has a son called Robin, went on to train as a teacher, retiring at the age of 65.

Birthday cards can be left at the reception at Warrington Town Hall up until September 6.

Cards have already been flying in from as far as Australia and Canada to celebrate the granddad-of-one's birthday.

Cheshire Police have already sent a card to wish Sid a very happy birthday.