PANCAKES, Prosecco and a performance by folk band Pandemonium helped Ron Frampton celebrate his 102nd birthday in style yesterday.

The former chartered civil engineer moved to Oxford in 1960 to work for the city council and was involved in the redevelopment of St Ebbs and the design, construction and management of the Westgate multi-storey car park.

He marked his milestone birthday at Bridge House care home in Abingdon with friends and staff, as well as the Wantage folk and ceilidh band Pandemonium.

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The band, who have performed at each of his birthdays since he turned 99, said: “How wonderful to hear that Ron is still going strong at 102 and we feel quite honoured to be invited back to play for his 102nd!”

Asked the secret to his long life, Mr Frampton said: “Age is just a number. Keep active mentally and physically.”

Before his time with the city authority, the 102-year-old was part of the construction of air raid shelters in 1938 and was enlisted into the army in 1940 in Royal Artillery Heavy Handed Anti-Aircraft requirement.

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Later he transferred to the Royal Engineers and in 1942 he was posted to East Africa where he engaged in the construction of a military hospital.

Chantelle Merritt, lifestyle co-ordinator at Bridge House, said: “Ron is so full of life and always ready to have a laugh and share his bottle of Irish Mist.

"He regularly attends our activities including our choir group and fitness classes.

"He is an amazing man and we wish him many happy returns.”