FOUR generations of the same family joined together to celebrate a Reading man's 105th birthday.

Arthur King, who was born on August 8, 1913, has spent the last week celebrating his birthday with family and friends, and on Tuesday he enjoyed a special birthday lunch at the Age UK club he has attended for the last 20 years.

Mr King, who has lived through two world wars, four monarchs and 25 prime ministers, was joined by his daughter Wendy Levey, his grandchildren Trina and Brian, and great-grandchildren Jessica and Scarlett for the party at Oak Tree House, in Spey Road.

Over the last week, the centenarian has celebrated his extraordinary birthday with various other family members, including his two great-great-grandsons.

Mr King was born in Tottenham in north London, and moved to Caversham in his early twenties. He joined a local cycling club where he met his future wife, Jessie, who passed away in 2000.

The couple married in 1940, before Arthur volunteered to join the war effort, working as an anti-aircraft gunner in Southampton, before spending time stationed in Iceland.

After the war, the couple moved to a brand new estate in Southcote, where they had two children, and Arthur has lived in same house ever since.

His huge family, which includes six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, all still live locally.

Daughter Wendy said: "Dad loves reading the paper and doing the crossword. He is still very sharp and can hold a conversation.

"He loves visiting the clubs and going on trips, he is very active and up for everything. He is such a lovely person, the children all love him."

Ken Camichael, operations manager for Age UK Reading, said: "Arthur has been visiting our clubs at Chimney Court and Oak Tree House for the last 20 years. Pur Lively Living clubs provide a service for those who need extra support to leave home, working with our partners at ReadiBus to support our people from leaving home to safely enjoy our clubs.

"We run bingo, group singing, quizzes, art activities and reminiscence sessions to keep our members active and entertained.

"Anyone interested in either attending or volunteering at our clubs can find out more information by contacting Sarah on 0118 950 2480 or by email clubs@ageukreading.org.uk."