A D-Day veteran is celebrating his 100th birthday and says his biggest wish is to return to Normandy for this year's 80th anniversary. 

Bill Gladden, from Haverhill, did not expect a thing as he was brought into a surprise party on Friday.

Turning 100 today, Mr Gladden's family had been secretly planning the party at Haverhill community hall.

The centenarian arrived in Normandy at the age of 20 on a military glider with a tank and six motorbikes on June 6, 1944.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bill Gladden's family surprised him with a party on Friday at a community hall in Haverhill.Bill Gladden's family surprised him with a party on Friday at a community hall in Haverhill. (Image: PA)

His regiment, the 6th Airborne Reconnaissance, was tasked with protecting the Pegasus Bridge in the French village of Ranville.

Less than two weeks after arriving, Mr Gladden was severely injured when he was shot in the leg by a German tank.

His family said his ankle was "virtually shot off" as he was brought back to the UK for treatment.

Mr Gladden would spend three years in hospital but has since returned to the barn in France where he first received medical attention. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Bill Gladden during his service years.Bill Gladden during his service years. (Image: PA)

His niece Kaye Thorpe, who organised his surprise 100th birthday party, said: “I just think he’s a legend, what he’s been through, what he’s seen, what he’s done.

“He’s just amazing, and he’s still bright as a button on top.

“Not many people reach to 100 now, so I had to do something.”

Mr Gladden had told his family he didn’t want “any fuss”, so they told him they were going out for a meal to get him to the surprise party.

The 100-year-old was also able to hug his daughter Linda Durrant, 61 who has Down’s syndrome. 

The gathering was attended by family, friends and people from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans – who have taken Mr Gladden back to Normandy in recent years.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mr Gladden's family surprised the 100-year-old with a party at Haverhill community hall.Mr Gladden's family surprised the 100-year-old with a party at Haverhill community hall. (Image: PA)

Mrs Thorpe said: “I had to tell him a white lie unfortunately – I said we were bringing him out for dinner.

“He had no idea.

“When he starts welling up, we got him.

“He’s an inspiration, he really is.”

The hall was decorated with balloons and there was a cake with a military beret, aircraft and medals in icing.