Maryhill Housing said a very happy birthday last week to its oldest resident.

Frank Kelly reached the milestone of his 100th birthday and celebrated with his fellow residents at one of Maryhill Housing’s retirement housing developments.

Reaching his centenary was marked with a traditional birthday message from The Queen and he celebrated by paying for his neighbours’ lunch at their regular Wednesday lunch club.

His generous gesture so impressed Maryhill Housing that the organisation chose to buy him a silver pocket watch as a special birthday present.

As an additional birthday gift, the Housing Association also offered to make a cash donation on Frank’s behalf to a charity or organisation of his choice.

He immediately chose nearby Kelbourne Park School so that “young people can benefit from me being 100” as he put it. Kelbourne Park is a unique school which teaches nursery and primary aged children who require additional educational, medical and therapeutic input.

Incredibly, Frank was born during the First World War and saw active service in the Second World War.

His career was largely spent in the conciliation service ACAS and he remains relatively active and healthy as shown by his regular attendance at his local church. In the year he was born George the Fifth was on the throne and Lloyd George was Liberal Prime Minister.

Longevity clearly runs in Frank’s family – his brother who lives in Detroit is 98 and his sister who lives in England is 95.

Frank said: “I have had a lovely time with the family. I’m still amazed I’m actually 100 years old!”

Bryony Willett, chief executive of Maryhill Housing, said: “Frank is believed to be our oldest resident and we warmly congratulate him on his 100th birthday.

“We are deeply impressed by his kindness and generosity not just in buying lunch for his neighbours but agreeing for a donation to be made in his name to a local school. We wish him continued good health and wellbeing.”