PORRIDGE every morning - that's the secret of a long life.

And who should know better than Johnathan Smurthwaite, who celebrated his 100th birthday at the Majestic Rest Home on Queens Promenade in Blackpool.

He spent his birthday dancing with the ladies, with a twinkle in his eye and radiant smile, certainly looked well on his recipe for longevity.

Celebrating with family, friends and staff on January 9 with his telegram from the Queen in one hand and a pair of balloons in the other, he was all smiles and good humour.

Son Cliff, recently retired himself, said: "Dad has always eaten very well.

"It always had to be porridge and milk for breakfast and he ate plenty of meat and fresh greens.

"I think that's kept him so fit and young."

Johnathan added: "Oh yes, I still go for a walk along the prom most mornings and I always enjoy having a pint at the local Conservative club or watching a game of bowls.".

He added: "I have always worked hard too and was very happy with my wife, Esther.

"We were married for 60 long happy years."

Looking back over his life he recalled being 15 when war broke out in 1914 and working down the pit in County Durham after the war ended.

When the pit closed and he lost his job he got on his bike, literally, buying a cycle for five shillings and riding all the way to Yorkshire.

He worked in a factory at Littleborough until 1941.

In 1942 he heard that ICI were opening in Heysham and so worked for another 21 years until finally moving to Blackpool in 1978 to live close to his son Cliff and family.

Looking to the future, he said: "I haven't got any ambitions now. I've got three great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

"I think I'm happy enough to have got this far."

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