Flowers, cards and friends filled the home of Welshpool veteran Elvet Davies on Monday as he celebrated his 100th birthday.

Looking back on a century of experiences and achievements, Mr Davies reminisced about his early life in Mid Wales before living in Oxford and Northern Ireland, serving in the Second World War and his career as a welder.

He also paid tribute to his friends and family including his late wife Violet, son Clement and grandchildren Anna and Neil.

Born in Cemmaes, near Machynlleth, Elvet left school at 14 and went to work in a bakery in Cwmlline.

At 17 he moved to Oxford, where he worked at another bakery until he was called up for national service and joined the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.

He was sent to Northern Ireland, where he met and married Violet, before returning to England three years later as he prepared for his part in the D Day landings.

Afterwards, he was sent to Normandy and transferred to the Gordon Highlanders, seeing out the end of the war and leaving the army in 1946.

Wanting a change of career and with a newborn son to provide for, Mr Davies trained as a welder and worked for the Pressed Steel company in Oxford for more than 30 years, until retiring at 62 and returning to Mid Wales.

“I have had a lovely retirement,” said Mr Davies.

“My wife died in 2000, and I have been on my own since.

“But I have been blessed with some good friends, and been very fortunate with my neighbours.

“Fishing was my chief hobby, as well as bowling for Welshpool and with the town bowling club, and I am a member of Blind Veterans UK.”

Mr Davies also spoke of his pride at reaching the milestone birthday, which he celebrated last weekend with a party.

“I can’t believe I am 100,” he added. “I came through the war, and considered myself very fortunate. I could have been killed many times in Normandy.

“I have enjoyed my retirement, and my life has been blessed with lovely family and lovely friends.”