Bath D-Day Veteran celebrates turning 100

Mr Lanham said the secret to a long life is consuming "everything in moderation"

A D-Day Veteran from Bath has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Dennis Lanham served with the 79th Armoured Division as a senior mechanic during World War Two, and was given a special birthday tie by members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

Mr Lanham was awarded France's National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2016.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings which took place on 6 June, 1944.

Mr Lanham grew up in Bath, and after his years of service, moved back to the city to marry his wife Peggy. They remained together until she died in 2004.

Mr Lanham was involved in the D-Day landings, which started the campaign to push Nazi forces back

He became a published author aged 99 after writing the book 'From 9 to 99', about things that happened in his life.

It was published by Project 71, a support group that helps war veterans.

All proceeds are going to the RUH charity, the Bristol and Western's Hospital Charity and the Children's Hospice South West.

When asked how it feels to be 100, Mr Lanham said he "didn't know".

"I can't tell you, I'm just 100," he said.

"I am so grateful for being 100. Those who know me personally know I do live cheek by jowl.

"I have a few heart problems, but I'm being well looked after."

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which Mr Lanham took part in

Mr Lanham, who is known as "the smiler" at his care home, said the key to long life is "everything in moderation".

After growing up in poverty, Mr Lanham joined the Home Guard at the age of 17, as the "only one of 20 lads in uniform".

Speaking of his contribution in the war, Mr Lanham said he was "proud" when Hitler issued a decree to shoot anyone wearing a bull's head badge - which is what he wore as part of the REME.

Mr Lanham said he continued to wear his badge anyway, as removing it would "give the game away anyway".

"I think we done marvellous," he said.