A FORMER RAF engineer from Bradford has spoken of his delight in reaching the grand age of 100.

Harry Gibson, who was born and raised in Great Horton, hits the special number today.

Harry spent most of his days in the forces out in South Africa mending broken planes.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Harry in South AfricaHarry in South Africa

Earlier this week, he was over the moon to receive a card from Her Majesty The Queen.

Asked how he felt about turning 100, Harry told the Telegraph & Argus: "The best I can.

"It is a privilege provided by God. He granted me the capability of reach 100.

"It was lovely to receive a card from the Queen.

"I was brought up and educated in Bradford, Great Horton to be precise.

The now-Thornbury resident added: "I was an RAF volunteer who mainly served in South Africa.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Harry celebrating Christmas with 'not lemonade' overseasHarry celebrating Christmas with 'not lemonade' overseas

"I was working at Crofts at the time and didn't want to be conscripted, so I joined the RAF as a volunteer. I would look after the aircrafts.

"There are so many stories I could tell about the war."

Harry will be celebrating his landmark birthday with a party thrown by his family and friends at the Aagrah Pudsey Kashmiri Restaurant tonight.