A “REMARKABLE” former army captain from Southbourne has celebrated his 106th birthday.

Horace D’Arcy, known to friends as Horry, celebrated his birthday with friends at the Captain’s Club Hotel in Christchurch on Friday.

A regular to the hotel, Horace has enjoyed a café latte and apple Danish there nearly every day since becoming a centenarian. But for his 106th birthday he was treated to a special cake and balloons.

Juliet Pull, guest relations manager, said: “Seeing Horry’s smiling and happy face makes our day. He is a remarkable man who puts men 20 years younger in the shade.

“He still lives independently, walks with ease, chats like there’s no tomorrow and enjoys a good laugh.

“All of our crew and other Captain’s Club regulars love to see him, and we wish him many happy returns.”

Horace worked his way up to the role of captain of the Royals Corps of Signals during his National Service after joining as a sapper in the Royal Engineers.

After completing his National Service, he worked in a tobacconist for a number of years before selling the shop on his younger brother’s advice, which enabled him to fly his wife out to see family in New Zealand. On his return, he worked for an insurance company until his retirement at 65.