Stan Chapman, 101, given VIP tour of National Motor Museum

Stan Chapman was taken on a tour of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and was even allowed to sit in a Rolls Royce.

Stan had visited the award-winning attraction before but feared his age meant he never get the chance to go again.

Stan Chapman was joined by fellow care home residents Sheila Stapley and Alan Colling (Image: Barchester Healthcare)

The former Post Office employee lives at Kings Park Care Home, Ferndown, which is run by Barchester Healthcare.

When staff asked him what his 101st birthday wish would be he replied: "A trip to Beaulieu Motor Museum would be wonderful."

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Rebekah Goddard, who works at the home, contacted the museum and helped arrange the trip.

Stan was joined by his son Richard and daughter-in-law Lesley, plus fellow care home residents Sheila Stapley and Alan Colling.

Stan Chapman, 101, was given VIP treatment during his visit to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu (Image: Barchester Healthcare)

Rebekah praised the warm welcome they received from Beaulieu staff.

She added: "Stan arrived in the foyer to see a huge sign wishing him a wonderful 101st birthday from all the team.

"Onlookers spotting his reaction to the sign stopped to wish him well for his birthday, which was a lovely start to his trip."

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Stan was taken to the main exhibition hall, where he was greeted by museum guides Nick Baxter and Paul Beaumont.

"They talked to him about some of the special cars on display before guiding him to a stunning Rolls Royce. He was asked if he wanted to sit inside, much to his delight and awe."

Stan Chapman was escorted by museum guides during his tour of the main exhibition hall at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu (Image: Barchester Healthcare)

Stan was also shown one of the museum's treasures, a 14-seater Maxwell Cherabanc built in the year he was born.

Speaking afterwards he said: "It’s been marvellous. The Beaulieu team have been ever so kind - I'm very grateful indeed."

Rebekah added: "Stan was in his element. It's been incredible and we cannot thank Beaulieu enough for genuinely going above and beyond to make his birthday extra special.

"Seeing Stan’s face when he was asked if he wanted to sit in the car was just brilliant.

"Huge thanks to Nick and Paul as well as everyone behind the scenes too for making our centenarian a very happy man indeed."

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The museum started out as a small collection of classic cars displayed at Palace House, ancestral home of the Montagu family, when the building opened to the public.

It eventually evolved into the Montagu Motor Museum, becoming the National Motor Museum in 1972.