AN all-action 105-year-old celebrated his birthday surrounded by exotic sea life at Bournemouth Oceanarium yesterday.

Ted Webber, who lives in Poole, went to the attraction with a group of friends after his plans to go up in the Bournemouth Gardens balloon were scuppered by the wet weather.

A keen motorcyclist in his youth, he has flown in a helicopter and glider since turning 100 and has always shunned the chance of using a wheelchair.

The retired electrical engineer credits his longevity with remaining active and eating sensibly.

“I’ve never eaten very much,” he added. “Too many people now eat all of the time and sit around all day.”

Born in Edmonton, north London, Ted lived through both World Wars but, despite being eager to join the Royal Navy, was exempted from call-up due to his trade being a reserved occupation.

A keen adventurer, he toured the south of France and Switzerland on his motorbike in 1938 and won trophies for golf, rugby, snooker, darts and bowls.

During his career he worked on the wiring of the Bank of England and helped redesign a printing press in Fleet Street. Ted has lived in Dorset since the early 1980s and looked after himself in his flat until the age of 99, exercising for three hours every morning and cooking himself a hot meal each day.

Now residing in Maidment Court care home, he said he was delighted to have been taken to the oceanarium for his big day. “It is just wonderful to be here,” he added.