One of the last surviving First World War pilots, Philip Bristow, celebrated his 101th birthday yesterday, only weeks after having a pacemaker fitted.

"I've never felt better. Those weeks in hospital were just like being on holiday," said Mr Bristow, who celebrated his birthday with a party for family and friends at his home in Seymour Court, Burbage.

In pride of place at the party were models he had made of three of the early aircraft in which he flew, including the Caudron G3 on which he learned to fly in 1917.

Mr Bristow joined the Royal Naval Air Service in August 1917 before transferring to the RAF, and flew eight different aircraft, including a seaplane patrolling for German U-boats.

He said flying was short, sharp, enjoyable and exciting but he never yearned to fly again after the war.

Mr Bristow came down on the sea three times and was lucky to be rescued each time. "When you came down there was little you could do except sit and hope someone would spot you and give you a tow back," he said.

The seaplanes armed with Lewis guns and bombs were nicknamed string bags. "They were quite easy to fly... the hard bit was getting down safely again," he said.

The pilot was awarded one of France's top military honours, Legion D'Honneur, a year ago.