A POPULAR war veteran has celebrated his 100th birthday with a special party in Bridport.

Ronald Nicholls shared the milestone at his Drayton House care home, West Allington on Monday - surrounded by friends.

The witty birthday boy said he doesn't feel a day over 70 - but admitted the Queen also looks good for her age after he opened a special birthday message from Her Majesty.

"It's very nice" he said. "I think I'm going to have it framed.

"She looks as young as me - she looks very well for her age. When she reaches my age, she will be doing very well, but now I have her grinning at me all the time" joked Ronald.

"I feel alright. I feel no different really - about what I did when I was 70."

Ronald fought through the entire Second World War, but sadly saw his first wife and son killed during a bombing campaign in his native Eastbourne.

"Eastbourne was my home" explained Ronald. "I came down here after the war and Bridport hasn't really changed much over the years.

"I've had two wives and sadly lost both of them. My first wife, and my young son were killed in a bomb raid in Eastbourne at Marks & Spencers.

"My second wife has also died. But I have a lovely daughter Sue who has come and seen me which has been really nice.

"During the war, I used to work in a big grocery shop and then I went and fought. I spent six and a half years in the army - right through the war.

"On the last day of the war, I was freed from a German prisoner camp. I had been in Holland, France, Italy and even Egypt - so I had travelled all over the world."

Ronald had asked to be taken to West Bay for his special celebration - having been a keen fisherman in his younger days, and also enjoyed a special musical performance to mark his special day. He was also looking forward to visiting Chancery House Day Centre where Ronald is a regular.

"I used to be very keen on fishing when I was younger" he said. "I used to go out on the boat back in Eastbourne - it was fantastic."

Ronald also thanked home manager Nicky Grinton and all the staff at Drayton House for celebrating with him.

"I have to thank Nicky and the girls here for looking after me" he said. "They are so good to me and I am ever so grateful to all of them for how well they treat me."