IT was the party of the century when a nursing home in Horwich said happy 100th birthday to resident Joseph Waddilove yesterday.

Knowle House Nursing Home, Rivington Lane, welcomed the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Kevan Helsby, as one of the many to congratulate the Bromley Cross-born centenarian.

Staff and residents also enjoyed a buffet and party in honour of Mr Waddilove, who enjoyed being the centre of attention for the day.

As with any 100th celebration, widower Mr Waddilove received congratulations by royal command with a telegram from the Queen.

Born in Hough Lane, Bromley Cross, in 1901, Mr Waddilove was educated at Eagley School and was a keen footballer, playing for local teams as well as for Chorley in the old Lancashire Combination League.

He married Elizabeth Parrot in 1925, but sadly his wife died in 1968.

The couple were married at Walmsley Unitarian Church and Mr Waddilove ultimately became a trustee at the church.

He worked in the dyeing and bleaching trade at locations such as Belmont, Egerton and Bradshaw and always cycled to work from his Bromley Cross home.

In 1931, on his way to Belmont, he was hit by a car but still managed to walk home with his bike, despite suffering a broken leg.

Two years later a work accident resulted in Mr Waddilove losing a finger. But despite the horrific injury he took no time off work.

Later in his life, in 1985, he was again hit by a car close to his home which left him with two broken legs and a broken arm.

He became a resident of Knowle House in 1995.

He was joined for his big day by members of his family, including niece Margaret Hayward.

Nursing home activities manager Derek O'Brien paid tribute to Mr Waddilove.

"He has been with us quite a while and is very well thought off," he said. "He enjoyed his big day and really does not look like he is 100 years old.

"He talks of the church very fondly and it is obvious that it played a major role in his life. We would all like to congratulate Mr Waddilove for reaching this milestone age."

The good times are set to continue at Knowle House when on Sunday, September 2, it holds its annual summer fair. They will be stalls and games for everyone to enjoy and musical entertainment from the Chorley Samba Band.

The highlight of the day promises to be a balloon race with a helicopter ride up for grabs to the person whose balloon goes the farthest.

The fun starts at 2pm and everyone is welcome. All proceeds will go to the residents' social fund.