THE funeral of one of Britain’s oldest citizens and much-loved resident of a Christchurch care home will be held on Friday (May 8).

Jack Ellis celebrated his 107th birthday at the Avon View Rest Home last year surrounded by friends and family.

He credited his long life to his abstinence from cigarettes and alcohol.

Jack sadly passed away on Sunday, April 26, at the home in Loring Road.

Born in Worcester on August 22, 1901, Jack and his wife Ethel, who were married in 1935, moved to the St Catherine’s Hill area of Christchurch in 1966, just after his retirement from the field of precision instrument design.

After the death of his beloved wife nearly 13 years ago, Mr Ellis remained in the house they had bought, celebrating his 106th birthday there until he moved into respite care at Avon View in the autumn of 2007.

The couple had no children but Jack will be a much-missed uncle to Myra, Geoffrey, Hermine and Yvonne as well as all his family and friends.

Officer at Avon View Sue Daly said: “He was a lovely gentleman who had a lovely life.

“Jack had a wonderful sense of humour and really was a gentleman to everyone he met.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone here and by everyone who knew him.”

The funeral will be held at Christchurch High Cross Church in Somerford, starting at 1.30pm, followed by a private family ceremony at Bournemouth Crematorium. Donations for the MS Society can be sent to Miller Bros & FP Butler Ltd in Bargates. Contact them on 485439 or 485108.

The oldest person in Britain currently is First World War veteran Henry Allingham, who is 112, followed by fellow veteran Harry Patch, 110.

They both celebrate birthdays next month.

The verified oldest person in the world is American Gertrude Baines, who is 115.