STAYING active is the secret to long life, according to the family of a former Swindon resident who celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday.

Great-great-grandfather Frederick Charles Brown, known as Fred, was joined by family members at the De Vere Hotel, bringing five generations together under one roof.

Now living with one of his sons, Mick, 78, in Ramsbury, Fred was brought up around the Swindon area and then worked for much of his life on farms in the region, before moving into construction.

His love for the outdoors has not diminished and Fred still spends many hours lovingly tendering his garden.

“Ever since he retired his garden has been very important to him,” said his second son Ron, 76.

“Whenever I go and visit him he is out in the garden. He can’t do the digging any more but that doesn’t stop him taking care of everything else.

“My dad has always loved the outdoors and keeping busy I think is one of the main reasons he has lived so long.”

Born at Hillbourne Cottages in Liddington, Fred attended a number of schools in the area, including Lyneham, Broad Town and Marlborough.

Upon leaving school he started working on farms in and around Swindon, a profession he continued until 1959.

“He actually attempted to join the army three times during the Second World War but was turned down because farming was seen as a ‘reserved occupation’, said Ron.

“I think he was a bit put out by this as he could see all his mates going to serve but he wasn’t allowed to go.

“His job was seen as too important to keeping the country going, like those who had to work down the mines.”

When he left farming, Fred went to work on several construction sites and even helped to build parts of the M4.

Fred married his wife Caroline in 1934 and they remained together until her death ten years ago, shortly before their 70th wedding anniversary.

Ron said: “He was utterly devoted to my mother and family mean so much to him.

“Friday was not the first time five generations of this family have been together.

“His mother also lived until beyond 100 and there was a get together then so maybe there is something in the family genes.”

At the celebration, Fred was joined by great-great-grandchildren Jack, one, and Mia, two.

Fred has three sons in total, Mick, Ron and Terry, 69.

He also has seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.