WW2 veteran reaches the age of 107 by staying happy - and eating chocolate biscuits

WW2 veteran reaches the age of 107 by staying happy - and eating chocolate biscuits Harold Hodgson, a WWII veteran who served with the RAF ground staff, turns 107 tomorrow at Grange Care Home in Darlington, Co Durham One of Britain's oldest men is about to turn 107 thanks to staying happy, fit - and McVitie chocolate biscuits. Harold Hodgson is a WWII veteran who served with the RAF. He joined up aged 22 and spent five years as ground staff, serving in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norfolk. He turns 107 on Saturday at the Grange Care Home in Darlington, Co Durham, where staff have organised a party with 107 cards from local well-wishers. His family paid tribute to his 'zest for life'. Daughter Christine Gibbon, 73, told how he loved the great outdoors. Harold said he owed so much to the "women in his life". To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed. His mum Mary, was a farmer's daughter and 'amazing cook.' His late wife Sylvia, who died 10 years ago aged 95, travelled around the UK with him, alongside Christine, 73, and her sister Margaret, 77. "I loved Sylvia with all my heart," said Harold, who has three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. "We used to get in my car and travel through the whole of England. We loved walking, swimming, and exploring. Keeping fit is key." He joked: "I am happy-go-lucky; being happy in life." Christine said her dad loved a morning coffee 'and 'a McVitie's chocolate biscuit' as a treat. "He has been a really good hiker all his life," she said. "He kept fit, looked after himself and took us away on holiday as kids. He served as a bricklayer for the RAF so he did not see active service in WWII. "He has a good sense of humour and we have always had a good laugh with him. He is one of the oldest people in the UK now. I am pretty sure he is now the oldest man in the North East." Family holidays were in Scarborough, Skegness and Great Yarmouth and Harold was a regular churchgoer. He played badminton and swam to keep fit. Born in Darlington on November 7, 1919, he stayed there throughout his long life, apart from his time serving in the RAF in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norfolk. To celebrate his birthday, The Grange is hosting a special party with Harold's family, friends and fellow residents Representatives of the Royal British Legion are expected to attend. They will be there alongside the Mayoress of Darlington Coun Helen Brumbie. The home has encouraged the local community to send Harold 107 birthday cards to mark his milestone. A spokesman said that he remains a "sociable character". He has a wonderful sense of humour," he added. He affectionately describes The Grange as "a wonderful hotel". The oldest known living man in the United Kingdom is Hugh Munro Kerr, born on October 9, 1915, who is currently 111 years old and lives in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland.