A LYE war hero and former Black Country bowling stalwart has celebrated his 100th birthday.

George Reeve, of Chapel Street, marked the milestone on Tuesday but is looking forward to further celebrations at his beloved Lye Football Club this Saturday and the Beech Tree Miners Club at Wollescote where he's something of a celebrity.

Mr Reeve is an honourary member of the social club where he used to play and run the bowling club and where he avidly cut the green until he was 90 before arthritis forced him to take things a bit easier.

He even has a room named after him at the Wassell Road club.

Despite his advancing years - he still enjoys trips out to the football club and to play bingo which "keeps the mind active" - he told the News, and he still lives in his own home.

Before retiring he worked in drop forge foundries in the Black Country and Stourport including Somers Forge at Halesowen and The Bronx at Lye.

Prior to that he spent six years in the British Army during World War Two after being called up in January 1940.

He served with the Worcestershire Regiment and was deployed to north Africa, where his bravery saw him Mentioned in Despatches. He then moved on to Italy, France and Germany before finally returning in April 1946 to his wife Gladys, whom he'd wed in 1938 at Stambermill Church shortly before war broke out in 1939.

The couple went on to have seven children - and today Kent-born Mr Reeve, who was widowed 17 years ago, has 17 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 11 great, great grandchildren.

When asked what he thought the secret to his longevity has been, he said he couldn't be sure but he's always "worked hard and played hard" throughout his life.