A sprightly Ormskirk pensioner celebrated a memorable 100th birthday with a swing!

Fred Horn was serenaded by no less than Asa Murphy who joined Fred as family and friends met at his Marians Drive home for an unforgettable party.

Born on 12 May 1922, he's led an interesting life to say the least with the high-flying aero engineer in the driving seat in later life in the motor trade.

Bootle born Fred moved around Liverpool with his father, Campbell, running tobacconists. He lost his sister Betty to TB and after a career in engineering moved into the second had car trade, finally settling in Ormskirk in the 60's with his late wife Joan; the pair were married for an amazing 69 years and Fred remembers that the paint was still wet when they moved to Marians Drive in 1961.

His only son Fred and daughter-in-law Dawn live right next door and organised two celebratory parties - one for family followed by a gathering of a wider circle of friends which was also attended by Asa Murphy.

Said Dawn: "Dad's a great 'swing' fan and loved every minute of the party."

Fred also loves his meat pies which saw Andy's Snackbar in Southport supply 30-odd of their finest with Asa taking one home with him!

Life's slowed down a bit of late, but even at 100 years old Fred is still active and engaging with some great memories of his working life and times. He used to attend Cottage Lane Mission's luncheon club of late and still takes a keen interest in his family with grandchildren Kate and Laura regular visitors.