FORMER local sportsman Claude Kellaway, of Barn Meads Road, Wellington, celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends last week.

Claude, who was 100 on Monday, December 27, spent his youth working with his father - both riding and with carthorses.

Later he farmed for 20 years in Devon before moving to Somerset to take up a job with the Ministry of Agriculture, visiting farms for beef subsidy and later blood testing, etc.

For recreation, he played cricket and football for Sampford Arundel, the former well into his late 70s as wicketkeeper. This was as well as being the club’s main groundsman for decades.

In addition he was well-known for his whist playing, his racecourse visits and his immaculate vegetable garden. Such an active lifestyle has certainly helped him reach the milestone of 100 years.