Frank Cole at his 100th birthday party Picture Ref: 77203-76A MAN always said he would live to 100 because he wanted a card from the Queen.

And when it finally arrived Frank Cole said "good on you, girl."

Frank celebrated his birthday at George Tweed Gardens sheltered housing scheme in Shaw, with 80 friends and family.

His daughter Mary, 54, and son Ken, 65, both live in Swansea and a minibus from Wales brought the family to visit.

Frank said: "I feel just as usual today."

He said the reason for living so long is: "I never let anything worry me."

Frank was born in Gorse Hill in 1905, and moved to Stratton when he married Molly Butcher. They had two children but later divorced. She died seven years ago.

Frank has nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He later married Dorothy Beazley, but she also died.

His daughter, Mary Evans, said: "He's always been hard working. He was in the building trade, and worked into his 80s.

"People were always asking him for help and would always oblige.

"He got knocked off his bike aged 85 and I told him he couldn't use it any more.

"His health is frail and he's deaf. He reckons he's lived so long because he's never worried as long as he's got a shandy."

Brenda Poat, the warden at his home, said: "You'd never believe Frank was 100. He comes to our socials and looks forward to bingo. He's a nice guy with a dry sense of humour."