Neighbours create a 101 birthday to remember during lockdown

Arthur Domican came out onto the doorstep of his home in Farnworth at 11am to a round of applause from neighbours and friends.

The centenarian, who served in the Army for seven years during the Second World war, picked up a cake left for him on his doorstep and laughed as the group sang happy birthday.

Neighbours decorated Arthur's garden

Mark Cowling, vicar at the local parish church and a close friend, helped organise the celebrations. He said: “Arthur’s a very special man in the our community. He’s a bit of a local hero but also very humble.

“He doesn’t like a fuss being made and even joked about getting the hose pipe out to spray us with water.

“I was just walking by his house one day and saw one of his neighbours in the garden.

“We had a conversation about Arthur’s birthday and we agreed to gather outside his house and wish him happy birthday.

“We brought some balloons, cake and a card and decorated his fence. We rang him and he came out to the door. He was smiling and chatting, I think he really appreciated it.

“We gave him a round of applause and sang him happy birthday. We congratulated him on reaching a fantastic age.

“He’s a very active person in the community and does a lot with the school. He’s also very positive and friendly.

“Arthur is a good neighbour.

“He has been in that house for many years so he has become part of the family for a lot of people.”

101-year-old Arthur received a cake on his doorstep

Arthur said: “All my neighbours just turned out to sing happy birthday from the across the garden gate.

“I’m stuck in here for 14 weeks.

“So people are looking after me and doing my shopping.

“I want to thank anyone who wishes me well. It’s been a very busy day, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”

Everyone gathered round to sing him happy birthday