A war veteran from Brettenham, who was among the soldiers evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, has celebrated his 100th birthday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mr Emmett celebrated his birthday with family and friends at Hitcham Village Hall Picture: GLORIA TAYLORMr Emmett celebrated his birthday with family and friends at Hitcham Village Hall Picture: GLORIA TAYLOR (Image: Archant)

George Emmett marked the big day just two days before Christmas with a party at Hitcham Village Hall.

Mr Emmett, who has two daughters, Gloria and Carol, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, was born in London but moved to Bradfield St George when he was a youngster to escape the smog of the capital.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Emmett in north Africa during the war Picture: GLORIA TAYLORGeorge Emmett in north Africa during the war Picture: GLORIA TAYLOR (Image: Archant)

He joined the Royal Artillery and was among those evacuated from Dunkirk before later serving as a Desert Rat in North Africa.

"He also served in Sicily and Italy," said his daughter Gloria.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mr Emmett's daughters Gloria and Carol with his grand daughters Joy, Diane and Mary and grandson James Picture: GLORIA TAYLORMr Emmett's daughters Gloria and Carol with his grand daughters Joy, Diane and Mary and grandson James Picture: GLORIA TAYLOR (Image: Archant)

"In fact he was in the first tank off the boat at Sicily."

Following the war he became a farm hand, working up until he was 70.

East Anglian Daily Times: A young George Emmett, taken when he joined the Royal Artillery Picture: GLORIA TAYLORA young George Emmett, taken when he joined the Royal Artillery Picture: GLORIA TAYLOR (Image: Archant)

Mayor of Stowmarket Paul Ekpenyong was among the guests at his birthday bash last week.

East Anglian Daily Times: George Emmett with friend Marjorie, daughter Gloria, Stowmarket Mayor Paul Ekpenyong and daughter Carol Picture: GLORIA TAYLORGeorge Emmett with friend Marjorie, daughter Gloria, Stowmarket Mayor Paul Ekpenyong and daughter Carol Picture: GLORIA TAYLOR (Image: Archant)