North Wales Garden World loyal customers turns 100!

Alan Charlie Curtress tucked into his breakfast, alongside his wife Dorothy-Rosina, at North Wales Garden World in Kinmel Bay on January, Friday 26.

The centre has now given Alan a "free weekly breakfast for life!"

The great-grandfather, who loves reading detective books and gardening and swims three times a week, met Dorothy 35 years ago at the organ.

Alan's card from King Charles and Camilla (Image: Submitted)
They have a large family between them - 16 grandchildren and they have "lost count" of great-grandchildren!

Karen Siddall, of North Wales Garden World, who described Alan as a "true gentleman", said: "Alan loves gardening. He has been visiting for 30 years - from previous owners to us, the present day. 

"He has his usual £4 breakfast with his coffee and he took cake away with him. He brought along his own birthday cake."

For the rest of his landmark birthday, Alan popped into Abergele Tesco to pick up shopping and enjoyed a rest before family visited; his family visited from Northampton and the group were off out for a celebratory lunch.

Alan was born in London. Once the war came, the family moved away.

Alan and his wife Dorothy-Rosina on their wedding day. Picture shown on the ipad (Image: Submitted)
Karen said: "He was stationed in Cairo as a war explosive warrant officer and served 22 years there. In that time, he received letters from Florence Nightingale. He told us that a train he was traveling on was blown up in Gaza 75 years ago and he escaped with just bruising.

"He also saved the life of King Farouk [king of Egypt] by deflecting a gun and taking him to the ground, for which he was rewarded with an extra weeks holiday and invited to spend holidays at the Winter Palace in Luxor where he and Dorothy have spent many holidays.

"Life is one of travel for Alan and Dorothy," Karen added.

"With air travel a little challenging, they now they get as taxi to Liverpool and take a Fred Olsen cruise when they can - they are living their best life."

Alan, who has had a new hip, didn't feel any different about turning 100.

Alan mocked up as superman! (Image: Submitted)
Karen said: "The new hip has put a spring in his step. His surgeon thought 'no' initially to the replacement but when he realised that Alan was/is swimming three times a week, at least a mile in total at his local Abergele swimming pool, it was a no brainer to go ahead and do it.

"It is the same with his eyesight and this has enabled him to continue with his driving licence, although Dorothy has been the chauffer for the past 18 months or so.

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"He also received a card from the king."

Karen described Alan as "old school".

"He always dresses to impress and always has an interesting story to tell. He is a true gentleman," she said.

"We look forward to seeing him for his weekly breakfast, which is free for life now but... he's barred Monday - Thursday though!"