Birthday boys: UK's oldest men celebrate 109th birthday on same day

At 109-years-old, Bob Weighton is the oldest man in England but is happy to share the title of ‘Britain's oldest man’ with his friend Alf Smith in Scotland - also born on 29 March,1908.

Bob Weighton lives independently in one of 46 flats in Alton, Hampshire, managed by care provider Brendoncare.

The former marine engineer has 10 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren and first read about fellow centenarian Alf Smith two years ago.

After writing him a letter, Bob and Alf now send cards to each other every year on their birthday. While he is happy to get a card from Alf, he now declines the offer of an annual birthday card from the Queen. He told ITV News: "I don't want a whole row of them, there's no point in that."

Retired farmer Alf Smith, who lives in Perth, Scotland, is just as pleased to receive a birthday card from Mr Weighton.

Alf Smith told STV: "I never thought I'd reach this age. I feel very good for 109. I don't have any pains and I sleep well."

Mr Smith, who retired from farming at the age of 70 said: "I can't just do everything that I'd like to do. I'm very careful when I walk, if we go out.”

Escaping the Great Depression

Mr Weighton worked as a lecturer in marine engineering at London's City University until he retired and his life has been far from dull.

Born in Kingston-Upon-Hull, Mr Weighton escaped the poverty of the Great Depression and the decline of the shipping industry, by securing a teaching job with a school in Taiwan. It took him six weeks to arrive in the Far East and he then spend two years in Japan learning the language before he could start teaching.

Secret service

The centenarian has lived through two world wars and even helped out the US secret service, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour and brought the US into the Second World War.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour, Mr Weighton was living in the US and his knowledge of the Japanese language led him to decipher enemy messages and help disrupt the morale of the Japanese.

But he says he has no secrets to share to explain his long life and describes himself as simply ‘very fortunate’.

Care provider Brendoncare is a registered charity, which runs 10 care homes and ‘close care’ facilities. Brendoncare Alton is a nursing home, with ‘close care’ facilities in the grounds comprised of 46 privately-bought flats, where staff can help older residents live independently, if required.

Bob Weighton, who currently needs no home care support, said: “Brendoncare are marvellous and are there when I need them.”

Windmill-making

On 29 March, Bob spent his birthday with family but staff at Brendoncare Alton are also planning a birthday party for him, as part of a joint party with two couples who are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Bob Weighton uses his spare time to take daily walks and make woodwork models in his workshop, which he sells to raise money for the Brendencare charity.

“I’ve got a windmill he made for me in the garden. He’s made a few for staff", said Natalie O’Toole, Brendoncare Alton’s domiciliary care supervisor. Ms O'Toole added: "He likes keeping busy, taking walks, working in the workshop. We’ve certainly got a good party organised for him.”