FAMILY and friends of Thurrock man Roy Thorndyke joined in celebrations marking his 100th birthday at the weekend – and one of the highlights before enjoying a meal at the Bull in Corringham on Saturday (28 March) was the opening of a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Roy has lived in the area his whole life. He was the eldest of three brothers, sadly his two younger siblings have passed away.

In December 1947 he married June Willis, who passed away after 55 years of marriage in 2003.

Roy worked as a farm hand for a few years but following the birth of his daughter Janice in 1954 he got a job at the Thames Haven oil refinery working for LATHOL, later to become Shell Haven.

He retired from Shell in 1983.

In his younger days Roy was a keen footballer and latterly switched his sporting passion to playing bowls for Billet Bowls Club. He has always enjoyed gardening, in particular growing his own vegetables.

Over the years centenarian Roy has enjoyed a variety of holidays both at home and abroad.