A STEETON resident has celebrated his 105th birthday.

Arthur Bailey, who lives at Steeton Court Nursing Home, was treated to a party staged by staff at the home on Sunday.

A spokesman for the home said: "Arthur's party was a huge success with lots of his friends in the home joining him to celebrate.

"He received numerous cards and gifts from wellwishers and walking into his room was like stepping into Interflora!

"Special recorded delivery cards and telegrams arrived wishing him a 'Happy Birthday', one from the Queen and one from Iain Duncan Smith, head of Works and Pensions Department.

"Arthur took centre stage and being an experienced speaker he gave us an interesting and funny recollection of his life, which ended with a resounding round of applause."

Mr Bailey was born in Keighley and attended Keighley Boys' Grammar School.

He joined the army in 1942, and took part in the campaign across North West Europe until Germany's defeat. He was among the troops who landed on the D-Day beaches as a staff sergeant in the 6th Airborne Division.

He spent all his working life with the Co-op, starting with the company aged 15, becoming an accountant and later a managing secretary.

Mr Bailey was a magistrate for half-a-century, spending ten years as chairman of the bench.

He has also been a keen sportsman for most of his life, and played for Long Lee Cricket Club.