A Northamptonshire man marked his milestone 100th birthday with a “memorable” celebration, which included at D-Day Darlings singer and a two tiered cake.

Kenneth Faulkner, who was born in Birmingham on March 6, 1926, celebrated his birthday on Friday March 6, surrounded by family at Wheatsheaf Court Nursing Home, in Daventry, where he now lives.

Kenneth served in the RAF from 1944 to 1948 as part of ground crew servicing Spitfires and Hurricane fighter jets, travelling to Egypt, Palestine, Malta, Cyprus and Italy.

The former serviceman then worked for British Timkin in Aston, Birmingham starting in 1950. He moved to Daventry five years later when British Timkin relocated and worked for the firm for more than 40 years, before taking early retirement in 1988.

Kenneth Faulkner celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday March 6 at his care home in Daventry.

placeholder image — Kenneth Faulkner celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday March 6 at his care home in Daventry.

Ken married his wife Margaret on March 27, 1954. The couple, who have one daughter and two grandchildren, will celebrate their 72th anniversary later this month.

Ken also played bowls for both Daventry Town and Timkin Bowls for Northamptonshire. He was instrumental in setting up both bowls clubs at Stefen Hill Sports Field and the indoor bowls club in Browns Road, Daventry. He also loved ballroom dancing and gardening, until his health deteriorated.

The milestone birthday was marked with party celebrations attended by Ken’s wife Margaret, their daughter, grandchildren and other friends and family. Wartime songs were sang by one of the D-Day Darlings singers, as Ken sang along and saluted. Ken also had a two tiered cake with a spitfire and a figure playing bowls on top.

At the end of the celebration, Ken thanked everyone for attending and for making his 100th such a “memorable one”.