A TYNEDALE man celebrated his 104th birthday this week.

Lawrence Batey was born in Prudhoe on November 4 1913, and lived in Acomb for over 30 years.

Now a resident at Elm Bank Care Home in Hexham, former farm worker Lawrence revealed his secret for a long life.

He said: “Hard work! When I was 14, I was ploughing fields with a horse. I didn’t use farming machinery until I was in my 30s.

“I used to carry 12 stone bags of corn or oats through fields and up stairs.”

Lawrence’s hard work led him to compete in farming competitions in his youth, and he was a champion plougher in Northumberland.

In turn, this took him across the Atlantic to compete in Canada.

Lawrence continued: “My company wanted someone to help boost exports. I went to Ontario, but they gave me the wrong plough!

“Hobbies are important too. I keep busy,” he added.

There is evidence of Lawrence’s handiwork around his room.

His paintings hang on the wall and a number of wooden walking sticks rest behind his chair as a result of his love of stick dressing – the art of making walking sticks and staffs.

Lawrence avoided service in the Second World War as the country required farm workers to produce food, with the country unable to rely on imports.

Lawrence continued: “I had to work long days. We’d be in the fields by seven in the morning and wouldn’t get home until eight or nine at night.”

Lawrence’s family has grown significantly – he has a daughter, two grandsons, who are both pilots, and three great grandchildren.

Lawrence gets regular visits from his daughter, Phyllis, as well as his six- month-old great granddaughter, Charlotte.

Lawrence’s other great-grandchildren, twins Ethan and Harper, live in Dubai.

Phyllis said: “He enjoys his food and the care here is excellent. They do the little things, like getting the papers in when I’m not around. He struggles with mobility a bit now, but he’s still very sharp. His memory is excellent.”

So how did Lawrence celebrate the milestone birthday? Without much of a fuss, it seems.

Lawrence said: “I think I’ve had enough, to be honest,” as he gave a wry smile.