FRESH air, genetics and a little bit of luck are the ingredients to a long and active life - so says Archie Gracie.

Five enjoyable days marked his recent milestone - his 90th birthday - during which time he spent time with his family, his friends at Bradford West Rotary and the children he helps to read.

It is 18 years since Archie and his late wife, Rita, became reading volunteers at Wibsey Park Primary in Wibsey after answering a Yorkshire-wide appeal for volunteer readers.

Archie recalls it was his wife's idea to get involved in the project and after undergoing their training in York they began an enjoyable role which Archie has continued since his wife passed away.

Every week on Mondays and Tuesdays, Archie spends an hour or so with the children who need some extra support with their reading - and he loves it.

"It takes you out, it stimulates the mind and it is nice to hear the children learning to read and you can see the progression," he says.

During the time since he started in the role, Archie estimates he has read with up to 350 children.

Susan Brassington, Key Stage 1 Phase Leader, said: “Mr Gracie has made a big difference to the reading skills of thousands of children over the last 18 years. The children see him as a grandad figure and were really excited when we held a party for his 90th birthday."

Headteacher Nigel Cooper said: “Mr Gracie is an asset to the school. He plays a vital role in improving outcomes with children who need assistance with their reading. He has made a real difference to hundreds of children, not only with their reading, but has helped them gain confidence and feel a sense of achievement."

The role is in contrast to his previous career - Archie spent his working life as a vet.

He recalls how his interest in animals began while growing up in Scotland where he was exposed to the rural way of life.

"I was always knocking around the local farms, collecting eggs and feeding the hens and delivering milk and milking the cows by hand," recalls Archie.

With his interest in farm life and animals, veterinary practice proved to be a natural progression. Archie spent more than 30 years in the profession and retired 29 years ago.

"I was a cow, pig and sheep man," explains Archie.

Work brought him to Yorkshire, a county he was already familiar with having enjoyed holidays to Scarborough as a young boy.

"I love Yorkshire," says Archie.

The former Magistrate is also a keen Rotarian devoting more than 40 years to the Rotary movement. In 2014 he was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest award presented for exceptional service to Rotary in memory of the founder of Rotary International.

Archie is a founder member of The Rotary Club of Bradford West, regularly attending their meetings and, to help him celebrate his special occasion, his fellow Rotarians organised for Pipe Major Alan Harrison to perform.

"It has been an enjoyable and emotional five days," he says, referring to his celebrations, during which he spent time with his family, his friends and the children at Wibsey Primary who hosted a party for him and presented him with a very special Birthday card.