A centenarian received an unexpected present at his recent birthday celebrations.

Ian Templer, who lives at Hyde Care Home in Walditch, turned 100 on Father's Day (Sunday, June 17).

Mr Templer was joined by his family of four generations to the celebrate this event, with his three children Briony, David and Sally, three grandchildren Claire, Alison and Julian, and four great grandchildren Scarlett, Bethany, Leo and baby Annie in attendance.

The family were joined by fellow family members and friends, including Ian's nieces Sue and Nickie, nephew Peter and son-in-laws Harry and Sam.

Ian was a Fleet Air Arm pilot and flew the Swordfish during the Second World War.

Though he flew other aircraft too, it's the Swordfish he remembers most fondly, due to the fact it was so versatile and robust, and was one of the few aircraft that remained operational throughout the whole war.

For his birthday, Ian's family arranged for Lieutenant Commander Mark Jameson from the Royal Historic Flight to visit on his birthday.

Lt Commander Jameson flies the only remaining operational Swordfish at Yeovilton.

Briony Blair, Ian's youngest daughter, said: "Dad's face lit up when Mark Jameson told him who he was and his involvement with the Swordfish aircraft.

"Mark said how exciting it was for him to meet a 'proper' Swordfish pilot as they only play in it these days.

"He could only guess at how it would feel going out 'chasing Italians in the Mediterranean'.

"Dad clearly could have spent many happy hours telling his stories."

After the war, Ian returned to work for Dunlops in the midlands, where he worked for the rest of his career.

When he retired at the age of 64, he and his wife Pam, returned to the south of England to be nearer to their children, moving to Dorset in their 90s, to be close to one of their daughters and son.

One absentee from the celebrations was Pam, who sadly died age 96 one year ago.

Briony said: "For me, my sister and brother, it was a very proud and emotional meeting with someone who really understands our father's involvement in flying such a biplane, with its open cockpit, cramped conditions and fabric covered frame to keep it as light as possible.

"We reckon that it's likely that Dad must be the last Swordfish pilot alive from the war."

Ian's family hope to take him to see the Swordfish at Yeovilton in the next few months.