The Allendale-born Second World War veteran, who has lived in Hexham for many years, received a birthday card from the Queen to celebrate his 105th birthday, on September 25.
He continues to live in the home he shared with his late wife Ruth, with the help of carers who prepare his meals.
And apart from losing the sight in his right eye due to shingles while in his 80s, the remarkable pensioner remains fit and active.
Allen served with the RAF during the 1939-45 war, but was better known as an electrician, an occupation which saw him climb the roofs of many properties across Tynedale.
For more than 75 years, he carried a barrel at the New Year’s Eve Tar Bar’l festival in Allendale.
Allen puts his good health and longevity down to little alcohol, regular exercise and a staple English diet of fresh meat and vegetables.
Allen’s brother, Lawrence Smith, continues to work on a farm in the Allen Valleys at the age of 97.
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