World War Two veteran celebrates 100th birthday on Zoom

A World War Two veteran marked his 100th birthday with a socially distanced zoom party in the garden of his care home.

Charles Sullivan was born in 1920, and says he owes his long life to "staying single, and no alcohol!"

Charles is a great favourite with all at Cypress Court Care Home in Crewe, and staff had been planning a big celebration for more than half a year.

They said they were determined to mark the milestone - despite the coronavirus pandemic - and rearranged their plans to have a socially distanced celebration.

Among the guests to join Charles via Zoom were representatives from his regiment, and the Mayor of Crewe.

This is the moment Mr Sullivan was presented with a telegram from the Queen:

100 years of Charles Sullivan

Charles was born in Greenwich and after leaving school at fifteen, worked as a clerk in London.

In 1940, he joined the King's Royal Rifle Corps and travelled to Egypt with the 50th Northumbrian Division on the ship The Empress of Japan. He was then transferred over to The Cheshire Regiment 2nd Battalion where he fought in the Battle of El Alamein, and took part in the Normany Landings.

Charles also served in Sicily, France, Belgium, Holland and Palestine. He received many medals including the Légion d'honneur, 1939-1945 Star, African Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Victory Medal, GSM Palestine Medal.

After the war ended, Charles returned to his former job. He never married as he was committed to looking after his parents until they passed away in 1969.

Charles later moved to Sandbach where he joined The Cheshire Regiment Association and is still a member today. He moved into Cypress Court Care Home in September 2014.

Staff at the Cypress Court Care Home say Charles is very much a local hero.