FRIENDS and family gathered together to celebrate the 100th birthday of World War Two veteran Doug Sayles.

Originally from Sheffield, Mr Sayles spent 24-years with the Royal Navy and was sailing in the Mediterranean picking up Jewish immigrants, when news came through that Britain was at war with Germany.

His ship, HMS Imperial Atlantic was called back for the war effort and became part of the Atlantic convoys sailing to Russia.

Mr Sayles, who turned 100 on Monday, July 15, enjoyed celebrating his birthday at a party at Heighington Village Hall on Sunday.

Just over 60 people enjoyed food provided by the Bay Horse pub and were entertained by Stockton folk singer Trish McClean.

The Northern Echo:

Mr Sayles was even treated to surprise VIP visitor in the form of Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham Sandy Anderson who raised a special toast.

Cllr Gerald Lee, who organised the party, said: "Doug is a very special guy and I'm sure he appreciated it all."