AN ex-Royal Navy sailor from Latchford celebrated his 100th birthday this week.

Joe Jeffries, who was born on October 11, 1921, has spent most of his life in Latchford – alongside travelling the world with the Royal Navy.

The 100-year-old, who lives on Secker Avenue with a ‘beautiful’ garden, has a son, Tony, and two grandsons, Ian and Sean.

Joe received not only a card from the Queen, but also a very ‘touching’ letter from a Russian Embassy ambassador congratulating him and thanking him and his generation on behalf of Russia for his service in the Royal Navy protecting a convoy during World War II.

After leaving the Navy, Joe entered the Warrington Fire Service and rose to the rank of station officer.

He has been a keen cyclist all of his life and only gave up at the age of 85 when an imbalance problem forced him to quit his routine of 24 miles a day on his favourite circuit.

But his fitness didn’t end there – on his 95th birthday he celebrated by doing 30 press-ups to mark the occasion.

Since giving up driving this year, he can be seen most days on his mobility scooter heading to Stockton Heath to do his shopping.

Joe celebrated his birthday at The Little Manor in Thelwall, surrounded by family, neighbours, and friends.

He would like to thank all of his friends and family who were able to attend his birthday lunch and hopes they all enjoyed it.