A Corbridge resident has shared the secret to a long life after celebrating a significant milestone at the end of September.

Douglas Kerr, a resident at Charlotte Straker Care Home in the town, celebrated his 102nd birthday on September 26.

The care home made a big fuss of him on the day with a special chocolate birthday cake, balloons, cards, plenty of presents, and visits from family and friends.

His secret to living a long life is wine gums which he says "keep him going."

During his life, Doug worked as a civil servant and served in the British Army during the Second World War.

When the war broke out, Doug joined the army where he spent two years in north Africa and Palestine as part of an ammunitions inspection team.

He has shared tales of his wartime experiences with staff and residents which included a narrow escape from German Junkers planes during an ammunition run.

He had to jump into the sea as the 'Stuka' planes swooped in and then swim to a nearby island to be rescued. During his escape, he heard the 'terrifying' siren as the planes dive bombed. 

Doug has also described the challenges of dealing with German Teller landmines, he said: "The German soldiers were very crafty, and stacked these flat mines on top of each other.

"When you found them and tried to defuse the top bomb, it triggered all the others and made a huge explosion."

Doug, who grew up in Whitley Bay, returned to the town after his military service where he worked in ACAS as a civil servant. 

He raised four children with his wife Joan, and after she passed away he remained in their Whitley Bay home for 13 years.

He's become a beloved member of the Charlotte Straker House community since moving there last year.

Sam Willis, deputy manager of Charlotte Straker House, said: "He’s such a superstar, and we all love him to bits."

A spokesperson for the care home said: "As Doug celebrates another year, we're grateful for his stories, and his continued presence in Charlotte Straker House."