Happy 100th birthday: Civic leaders join celebrations for Shifnal war veteran Les Cherrington - with pictures
Civic and community leaders turned out in force to wish the oldest war veteran in Shifnal a very happy 100th birthday.
Les Cherrington celebrated in style on Saturday surrounded by councillors, the town's carnival committee and his family.
The day started with a presentation to Mr Cherrington, who was injured in the Second World War, at his Orchard Road home.
This was followed by a family dinner at nearby Haughton Hall Hotel.
As a longstanding member of Shifnal Carnival Committee, Mr Cherrington has been its carnival king for many years.
He said: "I've had an absolutely wonderful day. The councillors and the carnival committee came to see me at home and I've had lots of photos taken in the garden.
"I've had a lovely meal with the family.
"I'm rounding off the day with tea at the Premier Inn with my grandchildren and my great grandchildren."
His son Graham, 63, daughter-in-law Sheena, granddaughters Katie, 36 and Laura, 33, and their families travelled from Swindon, Berkshire, to mark the grand milestone.
Mayor of Shifnal Councillor Robert Harrop said: "Shifnal is very proud to celebrate the 100th birthday of a remarkable citizen of the town. We are very proud of Les.
"He wasn't feeling very well the day before, but he seemed very happy on his birthday and was able to celebrate with his family and friends.
Wellwishers
"Les has been the carnival king for many years and in addition to that he is still a member of Shifnal Male Voice Choir. He is active in the community which is a remarkable achievement considering his age and that is the point of the civic celebration.
"He has given the community great pleasure over the years and we appreciate that."
Mr Cherrington also received a birthday card from the Queen alongside gifts from wellwishers.
Shifnal Town Council also installed two birthday banners in his honour next to the town clock.
Originally from Albrighton, Mr Cherrington was a soldier in the Staffordshire Yeomanry Queen’s Own Royal Regiment. He was injured during a battle in North Africa in 1943 when his Sherman tank was wrecked by a German field gun, but he managed to clamber free despite being badly burned and shrapnel nearly severing his left arm.
After he recovered he continued to serve his country for a further 40 years in the RAF police.
Other celebrations for the popular community volunteer included a social night at Shifnal Royal British Legion last week.
