A SPIRITED centenarian has 100 reasons to celebrate this festive season.

Bill Green was surrounded by family and friends wishing him a merry Christmas and many happy returns for his 100th year.

Well-wishers packed Manor House Rest Home, in Bacton, Stowmarket, where Mr Green and 91-year-old wife Violet have lived since July 2009.

The pair have been together for more than half a century and can truly call themselves local, calling Stowmarket home for many years.

Mr Green was born one of eight children in 1910 – the year George V became King – in nearby Creeting St Peter. There he was also raised and would later go to work at the maltings, just a few miles away. He was to remain in the county for the next century.

Niece Gill Prime, from Beccles, was among the family and friends gathered yesterday to wish Mr Green a happy hundredth. She said: “He and his wife are well supported by the staff here, as well as his nieces and nephews.

“Both have always eaten well and kept active. He used to walk every day and still goes out into the garden daily. He loved his gardening and had an allotment until recently.”

Mr and Mrs Green have always been keen readers and never owned a television at their old home in Weston Court, Stowmarket.

Faith has also remained an important part of the couple’s lives. They regularly volunteered at the Stowmarket Gospel Hall, in Violet Hill Road, before moving to the Christian rest home in Bacton where they still attend services.

Sarah Harris, Manor House manager, said: “They are a lovely couple who interact very well with staff and other residents.

“We decided to help celebrate Bill’s 100th birthday by organising a little party and buffet.”