A SPORTS-MAD Bradford man celebrated his 100th birthday by playing a few games of pool at a party attended by a district dignitary.

Henry Heptinstall likes nothing better than playing pool with his friends twice a week at his home in Clayton. He also enjoys watching football, cricket and horse racing on television.

He was born in West Bowling as one of eight children. Two of his siblings died around the time of the Second World War.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Henry Heptinstall, right, who is also known as Len, playing pool with friend of 30 years, David Maddock, leftHenry Heptinstall, right, who is also known as Len, playing pool with friend of 30 years, David Maddock, left

Also known as Len, during the Second World War he served in the Army in the Far East and would form cricket and football teams for Army personnel in his spare time during the conflict and even played cricket in Singapore during the war.

When the war ended, Mr Heptinstall returned to Bradford where he worked as a rep and area manager for Hoover. He also ran his own laundrette business in Bradford, which had five laundrettes in the district.

He was married to Doreen for more than 70 years, until she died just short of her 90th birthday eight years ago.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Bev Mullaney, third from left, joined Mr Heptinstall's birthday celebrationsDeputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Bev Mullaney, third from left, joined Mr Heptinstall's birthday celebrations

Mr Heptinstall, who has three children, six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, marked his milestone 100th birthday on Easter Sunday with a family party, which saw three of his nephews fly over from Australia. He also held a party at home on Wednesday which was attended by Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Bev Mullaney, who gave him a gift.

His daughter, Patricia Varley, said: “I thought he would be tired after all of these parties, but he’s not. He has been chatting to everyone at his parties.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Henry Heptinstall, who has celebrated his 100th birthdayHenry Heptinstall, who has celebrated his 100th birthday

“He loves his sport. He watches football, cricket, anything on the TV. He has always liked football and cricket. He used to play both and when he got older, he played golf.

After that he has moved into pool. He is still playing some sort of game. He loves the competition. He and his friends joined together and bought a pool table and they play together twice a week. It’s good exercise for dad. He loves his horse racing

“He used to watch Burnley FC in years gone by but doesn’t have a favourite team.

“He was one of eight children. Two of his siblings died when they were young, but his remaining siblings lived until they were into their 90s. Two of them lived to just short of their 100th birthday.

“Dad is very kind and gentlemanly and is a laugh a minute with a dry sense of humour.”