HE'S been shot while fighting for his country, and he narrowly missed his place on a boat which was later bombed.

It's no surprise then, that Worcester man Arthur Yeates says his greatest gift when he celebrates his 100th birthday later this month is simply 'being alive'.

Mr Yeates will turn 100 on November 17, celebrating with friends and family in Ronkswood.

"I was born in Worcester and I've lived here for the majority of my 100 years," he said.

"I've only lived in three places in the city in all that time. I grew up in Wakeman Street in Barbourne, then I moved to Broadway Grove in St John's when I married my wife, May, and now I live in Ronkswood. I love the city and I still remember what shops and pubs used to be where."

When the Second World War broke out, Mr Yeates, who was part of the South Staffordshire Regiment, was posted all around the world, finally ending up in France.

"While fighting in France I was shot in the arm," he said.

"The wound left me unable to properly use some fingers on my right hand, but I was thankful I survived. I spent a year in hospital in Blackburn and then one day someone asked me if I wanted to leave and go back home to Worcester. Of course I was desperate to. They pointed to a coach and told me it was leaving for the coast, where I could catch a boat. As we neared the sea it became apparent that the boat had already set sail, and I had to wait for the next one. Before the first boat had reached its destination it was bombed and it sank, so I was again so thankful to be alive."

Although he has no particular secret to a long life, Mr Yeates said whisky may have helped — along with keeping active.

"I only stopped driving two years ago, and I used to teach bowls and just stopped playing a few years ago. Now I watch football on TV," he said.

"I worked for various companies in Worcester over the years, including Edgar Frost Cycles on the Tything, Halfords and the MECO in Worcester. One company I worked for, Alley and MacLellan, relocated to Scotland, and I went with them for a while. During a few weeks there I tasted more than 100 whiskies. Now I enjoy a small glass of Jack Daniels most nights. It's entirely possible that has helped me see 100, but who knows."