Woolverstone farmer, sportsman and war hero turns 105.

Jimmy Mayhew who lives in Woolverstone is celebrating the occasion with his beloved wife of 71 years Janice and his family.

Mr Mayhew was born on 22 November 1919 at Old Hall Helmingham where his father Wilfred was a tenant on the Tollemache Estate.

He went to school at Framlingham College where he developed a lifelong love of sport including tennis, hockey, and cricket which he played to a high standard.

On reaching 105, Mr Mayhew said; "Every year with my wife and family is a blessing."

Jimmy and Janice looking through a photo album. (Image: Lucy Taylor) Jimmy and Janice on their wedding day in August 1953. (Image: Lucy Taylor) Shortly after leaving school Mr Mayhew enrolled in the Territorial Army and was billeted at Portman Road.

Jimmy helping shelter Janice from the rain on their wedding day. (Image: Lucy Taylor) Shortly after the outbreak of the second world war he  volunteered for The Royal Marines and was initially sent to Scotland to train for the Norway landings which didn't happen.

Jimmy when he was playing for Ipswich Hockey Club in 1938. (Image: Phil Mayhew) Mr Mayhew was subsequently sent to North Africa where he helped commandeer a train in Tangier and fought behind enemy lines which led to him being awarded an Africa Star Medal.

He was later posted to Burma for the rest of the war where he fought against the Japanese.

After the war Mr Mayhew worked for Fisons Fertilisers selling to farmers in north Essex.

Jimmy during his military service. (Image: Phil Mayhew) He also met his future wife Janice Emons from Valley Farm in Witnesham who he married in August 1953. The couple had four sons Philip, Christopher, Geoffrey, and Michael. 

In the meantime, Wilfred had moved from the Helmingham estate to Home Farm, Woolverstone to become a tenant of Oxford University who bought the Berners estate in 1937.

Jimmy served in North Africa and Burma during the second world war. (Image: Phil Mayhew) Mr Mayhew joined him in partnership and when Wilfred retired in 1961, he formed his own Company AW Mayhew Farms Ltd.

Jimmy celebrating his 100th birthday in 2019. (Image: Phil Mayhew) Jimmy chatting with his older brother Ken who passed away at the age of 104, 3 years ago. (Image: Phil Mayhew) He helped install one of the first irrigation systems and grew potatoes, January King and Savoy cabbage and spring greens.

Mr Mayhew continued farming until his retirement at the age of 72 and continued to enjoy sport by playing golf and going sailing well into his 90s. 

His son Phil Mayhew added; "He's hearty but things are a little bit of a struggle. He's asleep about 80% of the day but there's nothing wrong with his brain. 

"He's very determined to be alive. My father and mother keep each other going."