A POLISH-born man who was captured by the Germans during the Second World War then worked in the textiles industry in Bradford is celebrating his 100th birthday.

Jozef Galeza is marking his milestone birthday with two parties. On Wednesday he held a celebration event at the Polish Community Centre, in Edmund Street, Bradford, which he regularly attends.

He is then holding a party for family and friends on his actual birthday, March 19.

Mr Galeza recalls being rounded up by the Germans during the Second World War and what happened to him next.

He said: "I was aware of the German increase in their Armed Forces and I was present when Poland was invaded.

"One day in 1940, I was walking down a road near my home when, along with some other young men, I was taken by German soldiers and transported to Germany."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jozef Galeza celebrates his 100th birthday Jozef Galeza celebrates his 100th birthday

He was then taken to work on a farm in a German village when he was 18.

He stayed in Germany for the rest of the war and was housed in a refugee camp until 1947.

He then moved to England and was initially taken to a camp just outside York.

But he went on to work at a coal mine in Pontefract and when his wife moved to England, where she worked at a mill in Bradford, he too entered the industry in the district.

Mr Galeza worked at Salts Mill from 1948. In the 1950s he moved to Bradford Mill on Dick Lane, Bradford, in an overlooker role.

Grandfather Mr Galeza said: "I have lived in Bradford since 1947.

"The party went well on Wednesday. I'm having another one at home on Saturday with my friends and family.

"I have had a good - if hardworking - life in England. I was able to visit Poland more regularly as the Russian stranglehold on my home country lessened, but I never wanted to return there to live."

He added he was a keen footballer in his younger years and used to live near Bradford City's Valley Parade ground.

He says he did not have a specific secret to reaching the milestone age, but says he is happy.

The Polish Community Day Centre, where his party was held on Wednesday, was set up more than 30 years ago to create a place for the elderly Polish refugees who settled in the welcoming arms of the UK and remained here to meet and socialise.

Agnes Andryszewski, who runs the centre in Bradford where the party was held, said: "Jozef has been coming here for a long time.

"We held a celebration for him."