Hundreds of people lined the streets as a Dunkirk hero turned 100, after his party was cancelled due to Covid-19.
Veteran Eric Taylor was treated to a military parade and fly-past, and a brass band as he enjoyed the festivities from his garden.
Eric, of Helston, Cornwall, said: “I’m so pleased to reach this age and still able to enjoy what I’ve received, with everybody helping to make a tremendous day on my 100th birthday.”
Sailors from the nearby RNAS Culdrose held a parade in Eric’s honour.
Commander Martin Barlow presented Eric with a card from The Queen to mark his 100th birthday.
He said: “On behalf of everyone at RNAS Culdrose, I’d like to wish Mr Taylor a very happy 100th birthday and I hope he has enjoyed this special day with his family and friends.
“In this year, as we remember the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, it is truly remarkable to think that Mr Taylor was 25 years old on VE Day.
"He is a direct link back to a time in our history that should never be forgotten."
Eric was captured in Dunkirk at 19, with the Royal Norfolk Regiment.
He spent five years as a prisoner of war in Poland.
He was later awarded the British Empire Medal for his services and featured in the Channel 4 documentary Dunkirk – The Forgotten Heroes, which was recently shown again on TV to mark the 80th anniversary of Dunkirk.
He later played in a brass band and taught children music.
Eric had also been due to attend the VE Day celebrations in London and a Buckingham Palace garden party but both were cancelled due to the lockdown.
