From horse-drawn carts to global corporations, one old-timer has seen it all.

Richard Golder, of Billericay, was born in Bermondsey, on the banks of the Thames in 1899 and has just celebrated his 101st birthday.

In his time he has driven a horse drawn cart for just half a crown a day and seen the global giant Colgate grow from its infancy.

Mr Golder's son, Brian, said his father often recalls the story of how, when he joined the company in its early days, he had to wait six weeks for his first pay cheque because it had cash-flow problems.

Mr Golder's family now stretches through four generations, with David and his sister Marion, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Brian suggested the secret of his father's longevity was his routine. He said: "It is all about regularity with him - regular meals, regular sleep, regular everything.

The birthday party was held at the Heywood Lodge Rest Home in Western Road where Mr Golder has been living for the past two years.

Brian said: "My father is a stickler for time-keeping, and even tells off the nurses at the home if they are late for anything."

Together with friends and other family members about 25 people were there to make sure the party went with a swing. There were never any plans for a quiet night and the party was complete with an entertainer playing all the old tunes, champagne and a cake adorned with all 101 candles.

Brian said: "I was a bit concerned that many candles would generate so much heat they would melt the cake before my father could blow them out.

"But I was assured by the lady who made the cake everything would be all right." Brian added: "He insisted on the champagne, rather than tea, which is not bad for that age."

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