Caribbean WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday

As well as praying every night, Mr Ottey said his longevity was down to doing sit-ups for an hour every day

One of Britain's last surviving Caribbean World War Two veterans has celebrated his 100th birthday.

Ralph Ottey was just 19 when he left Jamaica to join the RAF in 1944.

Mr Ottey, who now lives in Boston in Lincolnshire, celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday surrounded by friends and family.

He said as well as nightly prayers, his longevity was down to doing sit-ups for an hour every day, including on his birthday.

The veteran's daughter Lesley Morrison said: "I feel relieved that he's made it to 100.

"Secondly, I'm moved by the number of people who wanted to celebrate. I'm totally bowled over."

"The amount of love in the room is something special," she added.

Mr Ottey celebrated his birthday with friends and family

Kamran Sheikh said his great grandfather was "one of the most positive people" he knew.

"I feel proud and privileged to celebrate his birthday. His contribution to this country can't be understated.

"He's a local celebrity and local hero," he added.

Mr Ottey, who was brought up by his grandparents, said his sense of patriotic duty developed while he was still at school.

Ralph Ottey joined the RAF aged 19 in 1944

He had originally wanted to become a teacher but instead became one of more than 10,000 West Indians who travelled across the Atlantic to join the fight against Hitler.

Mr Ottey first worked as a driver for an officer of 617 Squadron before passing his air crew exam.

After leaving the RAF, he applied for a role with a firm of accountants in Boston.

Mr Ottey told BBC Look North: "When I arrived for my interview the company director said 'you didn't say you were a Jamaican in your application'.

"I replied 'you didn't ask for a Jamaican you asked for a bookkeeper'."

Former work colleague Brian Matthews described him as "a great man of character".

Aside from work, Mr Ottey played for Boston Cricket Club and earned a fearsome reputation for his fast bowling.

Geoffrey Snade, 90, said: "Ralph's fast bowling was devastating. It frightened you to death."