A D-day veteran has celebrated is 100th birthday and shared his secret to a long life. 

Kenneth Grant celebrated the major milestone in Chipping Campden where he currently resides at Mill House Nursing Home with his partner Rosemary. 

The former engineer has spent the last two years at the nursing home and "has become a cherished member of the Mill House community" according to the care home. 

Friends, family and dignitaries including a senior officer from the British Army visited Mill House on September 29 to mark the special occasion. 

When asked what the secret to a long life was, Mr Grant said: "Keeping my mouth shut, and having never smoked – everyone in my generation smoked."

In recent years, Mr Grant spends his time reading books, walking with Rosemary in the garden, participating in fitness classes, and reading The Times newspaper.

Mr Grant started his career as a senior engineer with a national contractor before being called up to serve in the army in WW2. 

He continued his career as a civil engineer with the Ministry of Fuel and Power, eventually rising through the ranks to become a board member of a construction company responsible for key civil projects in Cardiff, such as the police headquarters.

His dedication to the army also continued, as he became a Major in the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers Regiment, serving as a Squadron Commander.

To mark Mr Grant's 100th birthday a celebration was held at Mill House, attended by the local branches of the British Legion from Stratford, Quinton, and Gloucestershire.

A senior officer from the British Army presented Ken with a certificate commemorating his service, while guests joined together to sing Happy Birthday. 

Stacey Roblin, home manager at Mill House said:  “Ken is a wonderful gentleman and a pleasure to talk with.

"His stories are really interesting, and you would never think he is 100.”

Mill House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care on a short-term and permanent basis.