A BORN and bred Evesham man who ran Weir Meadow caravan park and boats just after the war has celebrated a milestone birthday.

Arthur Knott, who now lives at Pitchill House Care Home, in Salford Priors, took over the running of the caravan site that his father, Dennis, had started during the war after purchasing Riverside Field. Arthur's father was well known in the area for being one of the first people in the district to own a car.

"They were so rare at that time that he even used to get calls from the local doctor asking if he could drive him to patients outside Evesham," said Mr Knott's daughter, Wendy Ryder.

The caravan and boating part kept Mr Knott busy all year round; moving caravans and maintaining the site during the summer and repairing and painting the boats and canoes over winter.

He retired from the business in his early 60s and enjoyed retirement with his wife, Lilian. The couple, who had two daughters, Wendy and Hilary, moved to Broadway Road and would enjoy their free time touring with their 1924 Angela caravan. They enjoyed going to steam rallies and were particularly interested in Severn Valley Railway where he was a shareholder. He was also honorary president of Vale of Evesham Historical Society and honorary life member of the Period and Classic Caravan Club.

Mr Knott was widowed just a few years ago when Lilian died aged 95.

Though he is not as mobile as he used to be, he still enjoys a chat and watching television. He was thrilled to receive a congratulatory card from the Queen.