A St Annes man has had a star-studded countdown to his 101st birthday.

For Vic Middleton met Carol Vorderman and Des Lynam when the Probus Club of St Annes went to Leeds to watch the popular Channel Four daytime show Countdown being filmed.

When he met presenters Carol and Des he told them he would be 101 on February 2, the day the programme is due to be broadcast.

Great grandfather Vic, a life member of the Probus Club, said "As far as I was concerned it was a red letter day for me. I met Des Lynam and Carol Vorderman, who's a delightful girl -- very, very nice indeed. I had quite a chat with her and I also had my photo taken. I thoroughly enjoyed the day."

Probus Club spokesman Keith Barlow added: "He received warm applause from the studio audience. Asked if he had any advice for his longevity, he remarked that a tot of whisky each evening before retiring seemed to be working jolly well."

Vic, a Masonic Worshipful Master at 100, and still serving CE church sidesman, enjoyed the show so much he plans to stay in on February 2 to watch the show being broadcast.

But he's still got several birthday engagements plan- ned, including a meal with 68-year-old son and soon to be daughter-in-law.

"I'm still pretty active," he said. "It's being active that keeps you going."

The club had another reason to celebrate when Geoff Hayman, the club's speakers secretary solved the final Countdown conundrum, after the two contestants on the show were unable to work it out.