A former Brother of the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester has celebrated his 100th birthday with a cheerful tea party attended by friends, family, and the mayor of Winchester.

Held at St Cross Grange residential care home, the party was full of whoops and cheers as the brandy was opened and Ron cut his cake – made especially for him by Brother Andrew from St Cross Hospital.

Ron Stacey was born in Catford in Essex on January 1 1917 - the middle of the First World War. He grew up in Bournemouth, and was a keen cyclist at his local club, taking part in competitions and winning races.

Then the Second World War came along, but Ron recalls how life was fine for him because he stayed home as an instructor and didn’t have to go abroad, despite trying to sign himself up many times. Afterwards he had a family to bring up, a son and a daughter, who he says never failed to keep him busy.

After retiring in 1984, Ron moved to Winchester and became a Black Brother of St Cross, before going on to become a Senior Brother. He left in December 2014 after 30 years and moved to Devenish house - managed by St John’s Winchester Charity - for two years, before moving to St Cross Grange in December.

He said: “When I was at St Cross I realised I needed someone to look after me so I moved first to Devenish house and then to here. I like it because it’s only up the road. I’ve been here just over a month now, but I’m not sure Christmas was the best time to move - everything is so busy.”

The manager of St Cross Grange said: “We’re delighted to have had the integration of Devenish House, all the residents are settling in very well. Ron is the first person we’ve had here to turn 100. We’re having another party for him later this week and we’ve very excited. All the residents are lovely but Ron is very special. He’s such a gentleman.”

Ron’s daughter now lives in Germany, while his son is in America, however, they did come over to visit on the day of his actual birthday, January 1.

The mayor of Winchester, Jane Rutter, said: “It’s really nice to see how well he’s settling in. It’s a real privilege to meet our older residents."

Ron says the secret to his good health is not worrying about it too much and not letting it chase you.

He says the thing that has changed most in his lifetime is the speed at which life is lived these days, and also comments on how the price of everything has increased so much.