“Don’t grow old,” was his advice two years ago. “How old am I? 103? Ridiculous.”

But that was two years ago.

Now George Huggins is getting used to an even more ridiculous age – 105.

Friends and family gathered at his home at The Hollies in Darnley Road, Gravesend, to celebrate his big day last Wednesday.

Also on hand to offer their congratulations was Mayor of Gravesham Greta Goatley who presented him with a card from the Queen, while entertainment was provided by Italian singer Salvatore De Concilis.

“It was a brilliant day,” said the home’s managing director Peter Rogers.

“George had a great afternoon. He was a bit overwhelmed because he doesn’t like the attention but did enjoy it.

"We gave him a cake and had pictures done.”

Mr Rogers said former legal executive Mr Huggins was a “fantastic bloke” who still dressed impeccably every day in a shirt and tie.

Born on March 8, 1912, Mr Huggins was the only child of George and Harriet Huggins, and the family lived in Peacock Street, Gravesend.

He attended Russell Street School and later and joined solicitors Couves in Windmill Street as an office junior aged 14, at the start of a legal career that would last more than 60 years – interrupted only by a spell in the army during the Second World War.

He married Rose Hockley in 1941, and the couple had their daughter Jill, in September 1943.

Sadly, his wife died unexpectedly from an asthma-related illness in 1971, aged 58.

“He never remarried and stayed in the family home until he moved into The Hollies in July 2012. He has two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He puts his longevity down to being a non-smoker and a non-drinker.

His birthday came three days after that of Ivy Woolcock, from Gravesend, who turned 106 on March 5.