CENTENARIAN Reg Herr had more than one hundred reasons to smile on his milestone birthday.

Unknown to Reg, the team at his care home had put out a plea for members of the community to send in their best wishes.

So come the big day, Reg – who was a prisoner of war during WWII – had 108 birthday cards to open alongside a rather special letter from Her Majesty the Queen.

"To know that people are thinking of me has made my birthday very special," said Reg. "Reaching 100 is certainly a great achievement and spending the day with my friends and carers at The Lindsay made it even better.”

Reg, who lives at The Lindsay Bupa Care Home in Poole, turned 100 on November 13.

To get into the party spirit, staff at the care home threw a ‘Gentleman’s Afternoon’ for Reg, where he played pool and enjoyed his favourite tipples – ale and whisky.

The home also made a personalised cake for Reg in the shape of his favourite whisky brand.

Home manager Claudia Carvell said: “The Poole community has really come together this year, so we were hoping that same spirit could get 100 cards to Reg for his birthday.

"Not only did we reach our goal, but I am delighted to say that the community exceeded our expectations and helped surpass 100 cards.

"In these unprecedented times, a show of community support like this, boosts everyone’s spirits in the home.

“Reg always has a smile on his face and is a true gent.

"Joining us at The Lindsay two years ago, we very much enjoy his company and he is an inspiration to us all."

London-born Reg worked as a draughtsman before enlisting in the British Army.

It was during his time serving he became a prisoner of war in Austria.

Upon his liberation, Reg returned to England, married his wife Doris, relocated to Poole and worked as an architect's assistant.

Together they had one daughter and six great grandchildren