MUSICIAN and artist Arnold Johnson found himself surrounded by family and friends yesterday, as they helped him to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Although his big day is today, they held the birthday party a day early, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, his home town for the past 56 years.

He was born in Stockton, moving to Osmotherley in 1945 to run a fish shop and in 1949 took early retirement and moved to Northallerton.

But after a fortnight he decided retirement was not for him and then worked for a motor firm for another 20 years before retiring for good.

Even then, he could not be idle and continued with his passion for painting, selling dozens of pictures over the years, including some to Canada and Australia.

An accomplished musician, he is passionate about Italian opera, was the church organist in Osmotherley and also worked as a piano teacher.

More than 30 years ago, he was the first person to move into Castle Close development, Northallerton, and yesterday, his fellow residents presented him with a garden bench.

Mr Johnson believes it was taking up yoga for five years when he was 75 that has kept him fit and healthy.

"I put my old age down to a tranquillity of mind," he said.

"Yoga taught me to breathe and relax and meditate. It's given me an extra ten years of life."

Among those attending yesterday's party were his daughter, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.