Man, 107, says faith the secret to his longevity

Frank Chester, 107, was born and raised in Ludlow, Shropshire, in 1917

A World War Two veteran who recently turned 107 has said his faith is part of his secret to his longevity.

Frank Chester celebrated his landmark birthday on 10 April at Hastings Residential Care Home, run by Sanctuary Care in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Home manager Shelly Ford said he had lived an "incredibly inspiring life," and that the home was "thrilled" to celebrate his milestone.

Mr Chester was born in Ludlow, Shropshire, and worked in HM Customs and Excise before he was called up to serve his country in World War Two.

"The Lord has been very kind to me every day, I say my prayers every morning and thank him that he has given me another day," he said.

The 107-year-old trained as a Royal Naval Officer and was later promoted to First Lieutenant Officer aboard HMS Honeysuckle, travelling all over the world.

He said he had imagined spending his days on “a cruiser in a warmer climate” but instead, ended up on a “rusty, old ship that needed painting in Liverpool”.

Mr Chester recalled a mission which saw his ship attacked by German planes as they escorted two submarines off the Norwegian coast.

“When we saw the German aircraft, we knew it was coming for us," he said.

"I knew they were going to bomb us. I could hear a knocking sound but quickly realised it was my knees knocking together.”

After the war, Mr Chester, who is now a great grandfather, moved to Walsall with his wife-to-be, Lily, who he said was the "best thing that happened to me."