An engineer involved in designing part of a rocket used in the Apollo 11 space mission has celebrated his 100th birthday today.

Lenard Warnett from Tonbridge, recently revealed to his family that he had contributed to the success of the first Moon landing in July 1969.

Anne Perriman, Lenard's niece, explained how he was born and raised in Five Oak Green, Tonbridge.

She said: "He was only 19 when he signed up to take part in the Second World War.

"From then he served throughout the war, but was never involved in actual combat. He was assigned to a base in the Isle of Man, using his engineering skills to repair anything and everything."

Following the end of the war, Lenard became a manager of an off licence called Unwins, in Barden Road, next to Tonbridge Station.

Ann added: "He worked there for 25 years until it closed down.

"After that Lenard went back into engineering at a factory in Tonbridge. I know it was very technical and he liked to work on his own."

However, what shocked Ann's family the most in his fascinating life as an engineer, was only recently revealed.

Mr Warnett briefly brought up in conversation that he had played a part in the famous 'Space Race' between America and Russia.

"My uncle isn't a man that talks a lot." Ann said, "He literally sprung it on us at lunch that he had helped design and make a switch which was part of the rocket for the first moon landing."

It was 'one giant leap for mankind' when Apollo 11, the first American spaceflight, landed humans on the moon.

Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin successfully touched down on the surface of the planet on July 20, 1969 and was arguably one of the greatest achievements in history.

She added: "It was at the factory in Tonbridge where he was working on the project, I assume they had a contract with NASA and was all top secret stuff!"

Ann says that Lenard - 'Len' as the family calls him - is quite shy and very modest surrounding how he contributed during his work.

"When he told us that, we were shocked and really praised him, saying 'Wow, that's amazing!' and he replied 'Oh I didn't know.'

"He genuinely didn't think it was worth mentioning at first!"

"He literally sprung it on us at lunch that he had helped design and make a switch which was part of the rocket for the first moon landing..."

Ann says Lenard is in good health, and now devotes retirement to his many passions, including golf, gardening and cats.

"He still runs up the stairs and is on no medication whatsoever.

"He also continues to do his own shopping and cooking. I don't think he realises how physically fit he is compared to others.

"I remember he got annoyed after falling asleep one afternoon, and I told him he is allowed to do that now."

Mr Warnett doesn't have any grandchildren, but has a strong bond with his nieces and nephews.

When told that he was turning 100 this year, his eight-year-old great-great-great niece Harper put her hands on her hips and exclaimed: “Good God!”

Today Ann and the rest of her family held a surprise birthday party for Lenard at the Poult Wood Golf Club in Tonbridge.

"He thought he was going out with myself and a couple of others...but there was at least 20 more family members waiting to surprise him at the golf club.

"My uncle doesn't like a fuss, and I think if he knew what we were doing he probably wouldn't have gone!"