SUPER Sid Arrowsmith celebrated his 100th birthday in style this week when he became Britain's oldest lifeboat man.

The champion fundraiser was made an honorary crew member of the RNLI Lifeboat station in Redcar, the first time that a centenarian has been awarded such a distinction.

Mr Arrowsmith, from Darlington, was treated to a party at the Hopetown and Whessoe Social Club where he has been a member for nearly 70 years.

Representatives from several charities, for whom he has raised tens of thousands of pounds, packed the club for his big night.

He arrived in chauffeur-driven Jaguar to a party packed with surprises, but the biggest was the presentation from members of the Redcar Lifeboat crew who had voted unanimously to admit him.

Spokesman Dave Cammish said: "He's been a regular visitor, but we had no idea he was approaching this milestone."

Mr Arrowsmith was given a vellum certificate, normally reserved for lifeboat men with 30 years' service, and a tie usually given to visiting heads of state. The Durham branch of the CIU also awarded him a plaque to thank him for his work for their convalescence home in Saltburn.