FORMER air traffic controller and lay preacher, Desmond Whiting of West Moors, has died at the age of 100.

Desmond grew up in Birmingham as the son of an ordained minister and after leaving education, he initially went to work in sales for a wholesale grocery business. He was also a Reader, which are lay people, called by God, and trained and licensed by the Church to preach, teach, lead worship and assist in pastoral, evangelistic and liturgical work, having been trained by his father.

However he was called up to serve with the RAF during in the war, which went on to lead to a career in civilian air traffic control.

This led him to work at various airports and flight control centres including Gatwick, Swanwick, Northolt and West Drayton.

Desmond and his wife, Ella celebrated, had their 70th wedding anniversary shortly before she died and he moved into Brook View Care Home in West Moors.

Speaking about his life on the celebration of his 100 birthday back in July, he said that the secret of reaching the special milestone was to 'live a normal life and work hard'.

He added: "You might have stress at times but try to recognise that each stage of your life has its attractions. I’ve always tried to life a Christian life and I’ve enjoyed it. I can’t believe I am 100."

He was joined at a special party featuring champagne, cake and a card from the Queen to mark the occasion by friends and family including his son, Jonathan and his daughter-in-law, Marianne. Presents were also sent from his daughter, Hilary, and her husband, Jerry, who live in America.

Desmond held a Church of England licence to lead worship for almost 80 years and continued to give Sunday bible readings at his care home for his fellow residents.

He died on Monday, November 14, with his funeral having taken place at St Mary's Church in Ferndown on Monday, November 28 and donations were going to the international charity, WaterAid.