Watch: Crowds cheers as Shropshire war veteran treated to brass band outside home on 100th birthday

The former 2nd Medium Regiment Royal Artillery Gunner shouted "thank you, thank you" as members of Telford's Abraham Darby Brass Band played Happy Birthday, with strangers joining in as they walked past his home in Ironbridge.

The gathered crowd cheered as Geoffrey was taken down to the war memorial in High Street, near the Iron Bridge, for a picture with the band.

After the festivities, the 100-year-old opened his home to visitors who wanted to talk to him, with tea and cake on offer.

He said: "I have really enjoyed myself today.

"Being 100 feels the same as being 99. I just wish I was more mobile – that's the main thing.

"I used to breed rare dogs, I'd go to Crufts, and we used to go over the Midlands and around the country. I can't do that any more.

"I've had a good life. I've lived in Ironbridge a good many years. Before that I lived in Market Drayton.

"I'm the last one left from the 2nd Medium Regiment Royal Artillery. It makes you think.

"It's been quite an experience. But we always say that gunners never die, we're knocked out."

Geoffrey said that he did not think he'd done anything to help his long life, but encouraged people to live their lives for enjoyment.

He said: "I don't know what the secret is to a long life, I don't think I do anything special.

"If there's a carnival going on somewhere, go to it. Live your life.

"You just have to get on with living life. Take an interest in what you're doing – keep interests, that's the main thing.

"I'm not a football fan but tennis and cricket were always my games."

Geoffrey managed J.C. Lloyd & Sons Grocers when he moved to Ironbridge in 1950 in what is now the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Shop.

Graham, 67, Geoffrey's son, said: "It is a massive achievement. He is the first one in the family to make it to 100.

"I wanted to make it extra special. That's why the band has come down today.

"The Abraham Darby Band plug into the house's electrics when they play in Ironbridge at Christmas, so I don't think they could really refuse."

Jim Wilkes, a brass instrument teacher at Abraham Darby, said it had been a great honour to play for somebody's 100th birthday.

He said: "It's the first time we've been invited to something like this.

"It was an honour to help someone celebrate their 100th birthday.

"We were happy to help this gentleman enjoy his milestone. He's always happy to let us steal his electricity when we play down here on Christmas Eve.

"Getting to 100 is a real achievement."