100-year-old says not drinking or smoking and keeping busy are secrets of a long life
French ex-pat Adrien Chambrin marked his big day on Saturday surrounded by family and friends, residents and staff at Hartlepool’s Sheraton Court Care Home.
The father and grandfather-of-two grew up on a farm in Brittany with his four siblings.
He worked on the farm before joining the French Navy.
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Hide AdMr Chambrin went to school in Landoc and also worked as a baker and rigger and in steel erection.
He met his wife, Eva, in 1940 and moved to her native Hartlepool - living in West View.
He was employed as a sheet metal worker and enjoyed holidays in Benidorm.
Mr Chambrin’s hobbies include decorating, fishing and listening to accordion music.
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Hide AdHis landmark birthday party was organised by the home’s activity coordinator Chris Terry.
Chris told the Mail that staff had been planning the celebration, attended by about 40 well-wishers, since Christmas.
Entertainment included singer Raymond Terry, karaoke with war songs, and a piñata, which Mr Chambrin managed to break all by himself.
He also received a card and a message from the Queen.
The room was decorated with French tricolores and an arch made of 100-year birthday balloons.
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Hide AdChris said Mr Chambrin is fit and able, despite being in a wheelchair and that everybody enjoyed themselves.
When asked what his secret is to a long life, he said: “No smoking, no drinking and keeping busy working.”