Could this man be the oldest resident in Caterham?

George Middleton has just turned 105 and puts his ripe old age down to reading his favourite paper every day and staying clear of beer.

Mr Middleton who now lives at Tupwood Gate Nursing Home in Tupwood Lane, Caterham, celebrated his birthday on August 20.

Jenny Roche, the nursing home's manager, said: "George is a great character who enjoys reading the Daily Telegraph each day.

"He puts his long life down to not drinking beer – although he will try most other drinks."

The youngest of five children, he was born in Canterbury before going on to win a coveted scholarship place at the local grammar school, to the pride and delight of his family.

During the Second World War, George worked as a stores manager overseeing Spitfires and other warplanes.

After the war, he moved to London to work for a family retail company FP Baker, which prided itself on being able to supply "all things for all people".

It could even equip people for going on safaris, including supplying the guns.

When the business ran into financial difficulties in the 1960s, George bought out the company, built it up and moved it to Warwick Street in the West End.

Here he did business with the likes of the Diplomatic Corps.

A catalogue would be sent out to them annually, and George would supply them with everything from cars to fruit.

Money raised from the sale of his surplus stock was donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

During his spare time, George enjoyed tending the garden of his home in Woldingham where he kept hundreds of chickens.

He used to hold "manure parties", where he would provide bags and sherry, while his guests brought their own shovels and could take home as much manure as they wanted.

Do you know someone older? Contact reporter Brian Haran by emailing brian.haran@essnmedia.co.uk or by calling 020 8760 7609.