Remarkable William celebrates 100th birthday at home on his own in Milton Keynes

William Langridge celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday (Monday) with a host of virtual wishes from his family.

Born in 1921 in Shepperton, he left school at he age of 14 and worked for the gas board.

He first came to the area as a young man when, fresh from being based in India with the RAF, he was billeted behind the Crooked Billet in Newton Longville.

William married his first wife Mary and had 19 years of marriage until she sadly died. They had two children together Paul and Anne.

Later, he was fortunate to find love a second time and married widow Dorothy, who had three children from her previous marriage, Terry, Christine and Andrew.

The couple moved back to Newton Longville 35 years ago. When Dorothy became ill, William became her carer.

"They doted on each other," said his granddaughter Claire.

Dorothy died a few years ago and William now lives at home by himself, looked after by his "wonderful" carers and stepchildren Terry and Christine, said Claire.