A WEM man who has 'proudly' received a telegram from the Queen for 100th birthday says his secret to long life is 'sweets, cakes and biscuits'.

Derek Mottershead lives at Roden Hall Care Home, in Telford, and celebrated his birthday on Sunday, July 24 and received a telegram from the Queen for reaching his centenary birthday.

Derek was born in Wem in 1922 and grew up in the Wainhouse Farm, a pig and dairy farm and lived in Aberystwyth with his wife for eight years before returning to the farm following the death of his brother.

Bryony Harrison, from Rotherwood Healthcare, which operates Roden Hall, said Derek enjoyed a ploughman's lunch, champagne and birthday cake and was taken to the church where he was baptised, where another special treat awaited.

She added: "Roden Hall marked the centenary birthday with a celebration in the balloon-filled lounge, where residents and family-members enjoyed a ploughman’s lunch, champagne, and a birthday cake.

"Derek was proud to receive a telegram from the Queen, as well as a handmade card and hamper of goodies from residents and team members.

"Derek said sweets, cake and biscuits were his secret to his long life.

"On his birthday, his family took him for a picnic at Morton Corbert Parish Church, where he was once baptised, to hear the church bells ring one hundred times to mark his one-hundred-year milestone."

The manager of Roden Hall Care Home, Nina McPhee said she hoped Derek had a wonderful day.

She added: "We were delighted to unite Derek, his family, and fellow residents to celebrate such a special birthday.

"It’s not every day you turn one hundred, so we were sure to put on a fantastic party with delicious food and champagne.

"Derek is a real character and valued member of the Roden Hall family.

"We hope he had a wonderful day."

For more information contact Nina McPhee on 01952 743159 or visit https://rotherwood-healthcare.co.uk/