BIRTHDAY boy Bill Sheffield celebrated his 100th birthday in style with dozens of friends yesterday.

He started the milestone occasion with a trip to St Mary’s Church for mass, where parishioners sang happy birthday and presented gifts.

Bill was also given a cake honouring his time serving in the Royal Air Force.

He was born in Ludlow, Shropshire and worked as a trainee manager and librarian.

He and his wife Marjorie married in April 1940. They had two children, Robert and John. He now has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

During the Second World War Bill was an engineer with the RAF, serving as a bomber commander in England, and as a training navigator in South Africa.

Bill, who wore a tuxedo to the church, said: “I’m feeling bewildered and overcome by all this attention.

"I hugely appreciate the good feeling being shown to me. I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness.”

After the war, he lived in Swindon, working as an electrical engineer before retiring in 1980. He was widowed in 1998.

He lives at The Ridings care home, in Scarborough Road, with his friend Ruth Sellars.

She said: “I’m so happy to know him.

"He’s a great man and loved in the community.”

Bill has been a regular at St Mary’s Catholic Church and spent many years in the choir.

Father Michael McAndrew said: “He’s always here and is an incredibly popular character.”

After the celebration at the church a party was held for Bill at the Ridings.