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Veteran celebrates 107th birthday with sing-along

Ed Hanson,Darlingtonand
Pamela Tickell,North East and Cumbria
BBC Harold Hodgson is looking at a woman while he is singing. He is holding onto another woman with his hand. He is wearing a dark blazer and a large, blue badge that reads: "It's my birthday." He has wispy white hair.BBC
Harold Hodgson celebrated his 107th birthday at his care home in Darlington

A World War Two RAF veteran marked his 107th birthday with hundreds of birthday cards and a sing-along at his care home.

Harold Hodgson, who was born in Darlington on 7 November 1919, joined the RAF when he was 22 and spent time in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norfolk.

Following an appeal, more than 300 birthday cards were sent by both friends and strangers to The Grange care home in Darlington, whose staff threw a celebration to mark the milestone.

"I've done everything, I've let no grass grow under my feet," Hodgson said of his age. "And I've lived and lived and lived."

The Royal British Legion also presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

Hodgson grew up in the Rise Carr area and lived in the town all his life.

Staff at The Grange described him as a "sociable character with a wonderful sense of humour".

Harold Hodgson is smiling brightly at the camera. He is wearing a dark blazer and a large, blue badge that reads: "It's my birthday." He has wispy white hair.
Harold Hodgson received more than 300 birthday cards

His daughters Margaret Hart, 77, and Christine Gibbon, 73, said the celebrations were a "day to remember".

"He said he didn't want any fuss, but I think he's lapping it up now," Hart said. "I don't think he'll sleep tonight."

Christine Gibbon and Margaret Hart stand side-by-side and are smiling brightly at the camera. Gibbon has short, white hair and is wearing a dark green shirt. Hart has long brown hair and is wearing a cream-coloured cardigan.
Hodgson daughters Christine Gibbon and Margaret Hart said he was the "life of the party"

She said Hodgson was always the "heart and soul of any party", saying he would dance around and dress up as Santa when their kids were small.

Gibbon added he was "young at heart" and suggested his ritual of a McVitie's biscuit and cup of coffee first thing in the morning helped.

A wall is lined with colourful birthday cards. One reads: "Happy 107th Birthday Harold."
Cards with birthday well-wishes came from across the country

When asked how it felt to be 107 years old, Hodgson laughed as he said: "Bloody awful."

He thanked those who organised the celebrations, and added: "I hope next year I can have the same."

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