A FORMER forge worker celebrated his 100th birthday yesterday -- delighted after receiving a card from the Queen.

Edward Billington, of Ardley Road, Horwich, was born in 1900 in Pendleton and moved to live in Farnworth when he was only five.

He left school at the age of 13 and worked in Farnworth's Turkish Baths before serving time at the town's forge. He then moved to Horwich in 1948.

Edward, whose cousin was the world champion swimmer David Billington, served one year in the Royal Airforce at the age of 18 based in Wendover, Kent.

The father-of-two, who later worked at local companies such as Hipwood and Grundy's and Edbro's, has been widowed twice and lost his second wife in the 1940s.

He has lived at the same address with his 61-year-old daughter Joyce Porter and latterly her husband, for more than 50 years. His grandson, Alan Parrish, also lives in the same street.

The grandfather-of-eight, who was a keen driver until the age of 90, is in good health and enjoys a bacon "buttie" each morning before spending the day reading, snoozing and watching a bit of television.

He keeps in touch with his 91-year-old sister Edna, who lives in Buckinghamshire, and is also very close to his daughter Joyce.

Joyce said: "We all get on well and my dad is no trouble at all. For his age he is very fit really.''

Edward, who will be enjoying a family birthday party on Sunday, said: "I'm having a grand day.

"I had no idea the Queen knew me to send a card!" Edward Billington is 100 years young Ref: H3844/21