IT WAS 100 years ago that luxury car brand Bentley was founded, British politicians sanctioned a 48-hour working week and Norman Austin was born in Bicester.

Celebrations for the latter were marked by more than 20 family members in the town this week when they joined Mr Austin for his 100th birthday party.

The centenarian, born in 1919, marked the milestone on Tuesday with his many family members, including numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Born and raised in Bicester, Mr Austin went on to father a total of 10 children – four sons and six daughters.

He said they did not let him down when it came to celebrating his century.

Oxford Mail:

In a crowd-filled room at his home, Mr Austin said: “It has been grand.

“All my family have come here and they certainly haven’t let me down.”

Son Philip Austin said as many of the family as possible had turned out for the occasion, with most still living around Bicester and north Oxfordshire.

He added that, at the last count, there were about 39 grandchildren descended from his father and countless great-grandchildren now in their family.

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When asked what Mr Austin senior thought was the secret to a long and happy life, he said it was ‘helping others’.

The centenarian said: “The secret to getting to 100 for me was having a good life.

“I would say if you can help someone help themselves, then you should. I have always tried to be there to help others.”

While Mr Austin enjoyed a day of celebrations with his family, he also received a celebratory telegram from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Amber Rudd, as well as a letter from the Queen.