A former constable who fought in the Second World War received a special homemade cake from the police to celebrate his 100th birthday.

The birthday cake and a card signed by members of the island’s constabulary were delivered to Arthur Hanbidge, who served as a constable in the island for 25 years, by chief constable Gary Roberts.

Mr Hanbidge served in the police between 1949 and 1974. Prior to that, the Douglas man was an infantry soldier for five years during the Second World War.

His milestone birthday was met with great cheer from his family, friends and members of the police with chief inspector Cathryn Bradley baking Mr Hanbidge’s favourite cake - a victoria sponge.

He has also received cards from the Queen and Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney.

Daughter-in-law, Lynn Hanbidge, said: ’He’s just an inspiration for us all. We love him deeply. He’s a very clever man and having been a military man who fought in Austria, Egypt, Sicily, Italy and more he is very regimental. He sticks by the clock and that’s what’s kept him going.’

Taking to Twitter, chief constable Roberts posted a photo of himself along with Mr Hanbidge on the big day.

He described Mr Hanbidge as ’a wonderful man, who told me some great stories’.

Lynn added: ’Arthur was very honoured and said it was a privilege that the chief constable had taken the time out to see him. He was just so proud to have been part of the Isle of Man constabulary.’

The veteran moved from Manchester to the island to work at James Lays as a tailor, Lynn said, where he met his late wife Phyllis who was a seamstress at the time.

Seeing an advert to join the police in Birmingham, he decided to apply but the island constabulary stepped in to offer him an opportunity here.

Following a trial he was accepted, serving mainly in Douglas. He also spent two years in Kirk Michael.

As a constable, he worked alongside D-Day veteran Hector Duff, who celebrates his 100th birthday next month.