"It’s the luck of the draw," said the former soldier and great-grandad from Rickinghall while enjoying a slice of birthday cake on his 102nd birthday. 

Reginald (Reg) Gladwell, from Hartismere Place care home in Eye, marked the impressive milestone on June 10, and was joined by family members, residents and team members to toast the special occasion. 

Reg was born in Rickinghall, Suffolk, in 1921 before moving near Stowmarket as a young boy, where he spent most of his life.  

While still training as an apprentice at a building site in Needham Market, Reg was called upon to serve in the war, where he completed four and a half years of service, in countries including Italy, Egypt, France and Germany.  

Looking back on his long life, Reg is proud to have travelled overseas many times and visited over 28 countries. 

He and his wife, Muriel, married in 1945 and shared a lifetime of happy memories. 

The couple have two daughters, Rosemary and Jean, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. 

The pair marked more than forty special years of marriage. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Reg reveals his secret to living a long life on 102nd birthday, Care UKReg reveals his secret to living a long life on 102nd birthday, Care UK (Image: Care UK)

Revealing his secret to a long and happy life, Reg, who is well known at the care home for his love of gardening and sense of humour, said: "It’s the luck of the draw – good genes have seen some of my family live until their 90s". 

Claire Martin, home manager at Hartismere Place, said: "Reg has been living at Hartismere Place for just over a year now, and it’s fair to say the home wouldn’t be the same without him.  

"Reg’s wonderful outlook on life never fails to make us smile, and his quick wit definitely keeps us on our toes! 

"Here at Hartismere Place, we always strive to make an occasion of birthdays, and Reg’s 102nd was no exception.

We had great fun decorating the home and baking him a special birthday cake."