NICE food and plenty of exercise have kept this County Durham centenarian fighting fit.

Celebrating his 100th birthday on Thursday, John Stubbs shared his life story and the secret to his long life.

Born in Bertha Street, Ferryhill, he moved as a baby to West Cornforth where he went to school until started work at Mainsforth Colliery.

He still remembers waking at 1.30am to walk to work for the start of his 3am shift laying track and as ropeman.

During the Second World War he served with the RAF as an aircraft fitter and when the war ended he returned to the pits at Mainsforth then Fishburn until 1974.

His first wife Mabel Lowes, whom he wed before the war, passed away and he later remarried May Howlett of Ferryhill Station, who now lives at Acorn Grange in West Cornforth. He has eight stepchildren.

He used to enjoy boxing and recalls being in the boxing booths at Durham Big Meeting and two knock-outs in novice competitions, though admits to getting ‘a few good hidings’ too.

Mr Stubbs enjoyed celebrations at Appleton Lodge, in Spennymoor, where he is a resident, which included a visit from civic dignitaries from Durham County and Spennymoor Town Councils, a performance by Whitworth Park School band and Vera Lynn music.