RALPH Winter’s family and friends gathered around a special cake to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Mr Winter, from Abingdon, was 100 on September 30 and celebrated his centenary with family and friends yesterday at the town’s Cosener’s House hotel and function rooms.

The former quantity surveyor was presented with three cakes, forming the shape 100.

Mr Winter said: “I have been looking forward to this party enormously and looking forward to meeting some people in my family who I have not seen for many years.”

Mr Winter’s only son Nigel, 65, a former project manager for Network Rail, said: “My father received a birthday card from the Queen, and a birthday card from the Prime Minister David Cameron because members of the family requested it.

“He was delighted to get the cards and has really enjoyed the birthday party.”

Mr Winter was married to Daisy, who passed away in 1998, for 57 years. He has two grandchildren Alex, 30 and Melanie, 25.

He was born in Leytonstone in London and lived in Harpenden for many years.

He worked for a number of different employers as a quantity surveyor, including the RAF and British Rail.