A hospital ward is not the usual venue for a birthday party, but then this was no usual birthday.

Walter Jones, from Wilmington, celebrated his 101st birthday on Wednesday as a patient on Linden Ward at Darent Valley Hospital.

The former seaman was joined by his daughter Valerie, who flew in from Australia, other family, friends and doctors, nurses and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust chief executive Susan Acott.

As well as balloons and a rendition of Happy Birthday, there was plenty of party food to enjoy, including a celebration cake.

Mr Jones was born in Bermondsey, south London, on May 18, 1915, and was one of eight children.

At the age of 16 he joined the army, touring seaside towns where he played the trumpet, cornet and bugle in the army band, entertaining holidaymakers and residents alike.

When war was declared in 1939, Mr Jones left the army to join the navy where he served on minesweepers off the north coast of Africa.

The grandfather has lived in his home for the past 49 years where his neighbours describe him as a "wonderfully interesting man" and keen gardener.