Opera singer Alfie Boe serenaded Britain’s oldest man as he turned ‘110 years young’ with a celebrity party to mark the occasion.
The musical theatre star performed for Donald Rose, who is now a ‘supercentenarian’, on a video call.
Boe said it was a pleasure to perform for the decorated Second World War veteran, who watched the singer on a mobile at Canal Vue Care Home in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
Donald said: ‘Today is the best day I’ve ever had.’
The care home said on Facebook: ‘Today we’re celebrating a remarkable milestone. Our beloved Donald is turning 110 years young!’
Activity coordinator Naomi Allsop hailed the ‘amazing experiences’ staff have shared with the great-grandfather, writing on Facebook: ‘Happy 110th birthday to my amazing best friend, the UK’s oldest man and a remarkable WWII and D-Day veteran!
‘We’ve shared so many incredible experiences together, and there’s still so much more to come!’
The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Kate Fennelly, who visited Alfie, said: ‘Donald is a lovely character – and a true national treasure.’
A card from The King and Queen also marked the special occasion for the pensioner, who was born on December 24, 1914 in Westcott, Surrey.
Kate, from D-Day Darlings, an all-female choir who reached the finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, also perfomed at the party, with a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn favourites The White Cliffs of Dover and We’ll Meet Again.
Recognition of Donald’s military service includes being among 200 veterans and their guests to attend St James’s Palace for a Christmas reception hosted by the Duke of Gloucester.
Veterans’ charity The Not Forgotten, which aims to combat isolation and loneliness in the armed forces, organised the event.
Donald served with the Queen’s Royal Regiment during World War Two, having trained as a sniper after joining the Army.
He served in Europe and North Africa.
The veteran has put the key to a long life as being the salty water he drank while on operations in the desert.
France’s highest honour, the Legion D’Honneur, is among a number of medals he earned for his service.
In peace time his jobs included driving a dust cart and working for the gas board.
He moved to Derbyshire in 2000 following the death of his wife Jeanette, and moved into the home at the age of 106.
Donald’s son David, 76, described his dad as ‘strong as an ox’ and told how his father ‘would do any work to put food on the family table.’
David added: ‘It’s amazing to think my dad is the oldest man in the country.
‘We’ve all had a really lovely day and it’s a great way to start Christmas.’
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