A NORTHWICH resident who worked in a bomb disposal unit during the Second World War has celebrated his 100th birthday in lockdown.

Len Brittain, who lives in Marbury Court with his wife Jean, hit the milestone on Sunday, March 21, with a special afternoon tea organised by staff, which was enjoyed by all the residents.

The lifelong Manchester United fan certainly knows a thing or two about longevity, as not only did he survive a potentially hazardous role during the war, he went on to spend 66 years as a one-company man, as well as being happily married for more than 70.

Daughter Louise, 61, explained how her parents met while both working for Manchester-based CIS Insurance, where a 14-year-old Len began his career as a Junior Clerk before the war intervened in 1939.

She said: "Dad returned to his job at CIS again after being demobbed in 1946.

"The following year, mum joined the department.

"He was 26 and she was 16.

"The staff had been asked to make Jean feel welcome as it was her first job since leaving school and she was bound to be nervous.

"Len took this responsibility seriously and they have now been happily married for over 70 years, celebrating their Platinum anniversary last September."

Northwich Guardian: Len and Jean on their wedding day in 1950.

Len and Jean on their wedding day in 1950.

Before his years of happy marriage, Len was serving his country, which included driving a three tonne truck, removing unexploded bombs away from city centres and industrial sites to a safe place where they could be detonated.

Louise added: "On VE day, Dad enjoyed a hero's welcome as his small unit of 14 was the first into Amsterdam early that morning.

"They were sent there to clear mines away from the harbour entrance.

"With each village and town they passed through, more and more locals came out waving and cheering them on.

"They cleared two mines and a bomb from the harbour and in minutes, the ships were able to dock and offload all their food and provisions.

"Later that day, they were asked to go to the harbour to accept the surrender of a German warship that had just arrived.

"The captain gave a British salute and said he had been instructed by radio to come to the nearest port and surrender his ship and crew.

"They hadn't eaten for nearly three days so it was decided that they would all join Dad's troops for a meal at the oil refinery where they were staying.

"Dad described this as a bizarre situation when they had been at war the day before.

"Later that evening the Germans were taken away to a prisoner of war camp but moments before, the German captain handed his Iron Cross medal of bravery to Len stating 'I have no use for this any more'.

"Dad still has the medal to this day."

After returning to his job at CIS, Len remained with the company until his retirement at the age of 65, but 51 years was clearly not enough and he ended up working in a part-time capacity for them for another 15 years, running the pensions association, until his second retirement just after his 80th birthday.

Northwich Guardian: Len and his wife Jean, who have been married for more than 70 years.

Len and his wife Jean, who have been married for more than 70 years.

As well as Louise, the couple also had another daughter Julie, who sadly died suddenly in 2000, but have two grandchildren from her, and four great grandchildren, ranging in age from 6-10.

Louise added: "He and mum developed a passion for cruising and did at least two cruises a year for about 15 years.

"They have always loved dancing together and were able to do this on their cruises too.

"They also achieved their dream of living by the seaside for 15 years in Lytham St. Annes before moving back to the area 12 years ago to be closer to family, eventually moving to Marbury Court in 2015.

"They couldn't be happier there, being spoiled by staff and residents alike.

"Marbury Court provided an afternoon tea for all the residents which the staff very kindly delivered to each apartment, along with a piece of birthday cake and a glass of wine so they could all raise a toast to dad.

"They made his birthday very special, given the current Covid restrictions."

Len and Jean are very much looking forward to having a celebratory get-together with family and friends as soon as it becomes possible.

On reaching his centenary, Len said: "The secret to living to 100 is to always embrace life and live it to the full."