Pollokshields resident John Steven celebrated his 100th birthday at a surprise party with friends, family, support workers and Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon in August.

As Govan MSP, Nicola Sturgeon attended Mr Steven’s party in his Southside Housing Association (SHA) supported accommodation in Nithsdale Road, to present him with his Royal Birthday Telegram.

She said, ‘It’s brilliant to be here celebrating someone’s 100th birthday. If I look half as good as he does when I’m 60 I’ll be happy!’

The party organisers managed to keep his celebration a secret, prompting Mr Steven to say the party ‘absolutely floored’ him, adding, ‘I didn’t expect this at all!’

Mr Steven was born in Maryhill on August 4 1907. He worked as a driver for the Glasgow Corporation on the buses, trams and subway. Then he became a bus conductor. He received a 40-year service award from Glasgow Corporation bus company before semi-retiring to become a lollipop man.

A keen cyclist in his youth, Mr Steven chooses to walk to the local newsagent every day for his newspaper and pint of milk.

After taking compulsory retirement in his late 70s, Mr Steven kept himself busy by winning gardening prizes with his roses. He is a World War 2 vetern of  the 1944 D-Day landings on Sword beach, Normandy.

Mr Steven has outlived three wives and fathered no children, but has been heavily involved in the lives of his sister’s eight daughters and one son.

Asked the secret of such a long life, Mr Steven said, ‘My secret? I just mind my own business, drink water and go for walks. I like keeping myself busy, really.’

Mr Stevens’ sheltered housing Support Worker, Kirsty Fleming, added, ‘He’s absolutely fantastic. John is an inspiration to each and every one of us here. Everyone here thinks he’s wonderful and I hope that we’re all here in a year’s time to celebrate his 101st.’