A ST ALBANS man who was called up to fight in the First World War celebrated his 101st birthday on Monday, December 9.

Mr Charles Cockell, who lived for 64 years in a house in Gurney Court Road he built himself, marked the occasion at the Shenleybury House residential home in Black Lion Hill, Shenley, where he moved two years ago.

His son Brian said: "He is still going very strong I predict he will outlive me."

Mr Cockell, who was born in Spencer Street, worked during his long career as a coal merchant and an automotive engineer.

His many memories include the shock he felt at the sinking of The Titanic in 1912.