EIGHT years ago James Simpson thought he was going to die after being knocked down by a lorry.

But today the former MG Car Company worker, who has lived in Abingdon his whole life, is celebrating his 100th birthday.

Mr Simpson, known to his friends and family as Jim, was crossing Stert Street in Abingdon in August 2007 when he was hit by a truck and fell to the ground.

He said: “I was flat on my back and the wheel was going over my chest – I heard a cracking of bones and thought ‘oh dear, I’m dead’.

“I could have died at 92, quite easily.

“I have had a good life really, I have enjoyed it.”

Mr Simpson survived, despite fears he would lose an arm, to celebrate his centenary with his wife of 70 years, Iris, and daughter Sarah Wood, 64.

Born to George and Martha Simpson at his family home in Thames Street, Abingdon, in 1915, Mr Simpson attended Bury Street School before joining MG as an office worker at 15.

He was enlisted in the Army in 1940, serving in the 235 company of the Royal Pioneer Corps.

After completing his training in Liverpool, Mr Simpson was deployed with his company to carry out a variety of labour and engineering tasks in Wrexham, North Wales, then Ludlow before finally ending up in Trawsfynydd. He was discharged because of his eyesight in 1944.

He met his wife Iris at a dance in the Royce Rooms in the Guildhall, and the pair were married at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Park Road, Abingdon, in December 1944. After moving around a few times, the pair have lived in Berry Croft, for 63 years.

Mr Simpson returned to the MG Factory in Abingdon, worked in the goods inward department and became stores supervisor – as well as one of its volunteer fire brigade – before retiring in 1980 – two months before the factory closed down.

He said: “I used to say I have been here so long when I retire that will be end of MG, but it was not really my fault.”

After retiring, Mr Simpson joined several groups including the University of the Third Age where he starred in a number of its stage productions.

Mr Simpson left the country for the first time in 2001 when he was invited as the guest of honour at an MG Car Club event in Minnesota.

He said: “I had never flown before – I felt a bit anxious before we took off but once we were up there it was fine.” The car enthusiast, who loves MGs and Bugattis, admitted he never learned to drive, but claimed walking and cycling everywhere was the secret to his long life. He added: “I have never had a driving licence or owned a car. It was always something I was going to do, but I would always say there was plenty of time for that.

“That’s why I have got to 100 years old, I cycled and walked and ran everywhere.”

He has two granddaughters, Rachel, 29, and 26-year-old Helen.