A CHRISTMAS centenarian who celebrated his birthday with 47 descendants claims his family has been the real reason for his long and healthy life.

Harry Mantell marked his 100th birthday surrounded by his family at Watersmead Residential Homes, Westbury on Christmas Eve.

The former British Rail employee was visited by his four children, his 16 grandchildren, 25 great-great grandchildren and two great-great-great grandchildren.

Daughter Pauline Roberts said: "My dad has never drunk alcohol or smoked in his whole life, so he had a little bit of champagne to celebrate but didn't enjoy it.

"He got the letter from the Queen and every member of the family popped in to join the celebrations during the day.

"We asked him why he thought he had lived so long and he said it was down to his family."

Mr Mantell has lived in Westbury for over 80 years working as a wagon repairer at the railway station since he was a teenager.

Mrs Roberts said: "He knew everybody who turned up for his birthday there wasn't a single face he didn't recognise.

"We all had a wonderful time and after the family left Watersmead threw a little tea party for him with all the other elderly residents in the evening."

Harry's wife Winnie died 27 years ago, but his four children Pauline Roberts, Jean Moran, Gwen Hobbs and Jim Mantell all joined the party.