ONE of the oldest men in the borough celebrated his recent 106th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Well-known Kingswinford resident Albert Taylor marked the milestone with a day filled with delights.

Several of his neighbours in were sure to spend part of Mr Taylor’s special day alongside him, including friend and neighbour of 28 years Jean Shipley.

Mrs Shipley said: “Mr Taylor has always been a very good friend to me and will always give advice and help when required.

“He is well-known by everyone in the grove, and obviously he is not out and about as much as he used to be, but several neighbours dropped by to see him.

“During the day, myself, his sister-in-law Barbara, who herself had had a birthday the day before, and another friend, Eddie Benedict, took him to The Wall Heath Tavern for lunch.

“The staff had very kindly decorated the table with balloons and there happened to be a large party of ladies from ‘DARTS’ club who sang Happy Birthday to him.”

Mr Taylor then spent the afternoon with his friends and family at his son Roger’s house, where they indulged in cucumber and ham sandwiches, and not forgetting the mandatory birthday cake.

Mrs Shipley added: “It was a lovely day for him.”