A CARE home resident has recently celebrated his 105th birthday.

John Maskell, who now lives at HighField House Residential Care Home in Castle Cary, celebrated his birthday yesterday (September 17) and also received a letter from the King.

Mr Maskell said: “I was born on September 17, 1919, and lived with my parents until I was four, when they passed away, at which time I moved to an institutional children's home.

“At 15 I left school and worked as a delivery boy but my feet couldn't reach the pedals of the tricycle so I moved to work in a warehouse.

“I was called up in 1939 at the start of the war and was in the Royal Signals.

“My wife and I married in 1942, and my wife died after 72 years of marriage.

“My daughter was born in 1944 and my son in 1948. I worked in London, and we lived in Raynes Park.

“We later moved to Motspur Park and then Weston Green.

“In 1963 we moved to Godalming where we ran a DIY shop.

“On retirement we moved to Milborne Port where we lived for 30 years. “I have always been a caring person and used to visit two older men.

“Even in my 90s I would go and decorate for younger people.

“I was part of the church and used to go to 8am communion regularly.

“I have now lived at Highfield House for five years and I am very happy here.”