COLIN Smith has lived through two world wars, seen world-changing events and met many people in his 100 years.

In fact 100 of the people Colin has met and befriended attended his 100th birthday luncheon party yesterday.

Among those who made the trip to Colden Common Community Centre was Colin's younger brother Philip who, is a mere 98.

Colin believes the secret of a long life is: "Eat what you like, drink what you like and do what you like. Live a natural life."

It could have been very different as he nearly died of scarlet fever at the age of seven.

Later he spent much of his life abroad, working in the oil industry in Bahrain and in the Palestine Police Force.

During the Second World War he and 39 colleagues did their bit for victory.

The group managed to raise enough money to fund two Spitfire planes.

"We had a small organisation for bachelors to let their hair down," Colin explained. "We got together to raise money for the war effort. It was great fun and we had a special room up at the club where we used to go along and get sloshed."

Colin, a keen walker, lists one of his other great life achievements as walking up Snowdon aged 83.

After his years abroad Colin retired to Guernsey. He and his wife Kay, who died 18 months ago, have three children, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

He lives in Spring Lane, Colden Common, near his daughter Alison, who organised the birthday party which was attended by Mayor of Winchester Cecily Sutton.