AN ISLE of Wight resident, who devoted most of his life to helping children with special needs, celebrated his 100th birthday on Christmas Day.

Herbert Wileman, who lives in the West Wight, spent most of the week in the build up to his birthday surrounded by three other generations of his family, including two daughters, three granddaughters, three great-grandsons and a great-granddaughter.

Herbert's family flew in from three continents to celebrate his centenary.

His daughter, Elizabeth, said: "It's been a week of celebration, with so many events — a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.

"Dad has enjoyed various hobbies, with his love of classical music starting in 1942 when a Red Cross parcel arrived with some records in it.

"He cycled to school every day from Cowes to East Cowes, and had to judge the winds to make sure that he would get to the chain ferry on time."

Herbert was born in Shropshire on Christmas Day in 1919, the youngest of three children.

He married his wife, Madeline, in December, 1940 — two weeks before joining the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Following the war, the couple moved to Lincoln, starting a family there before settling on the Isle of Wight in 1953.

Herbert became a teacher in East Cowes, and enjoyed his career for the next 27 years.

A keen footballer, he coached the primary school under 10s team to an unprecedented league and cup double in the 1960s, with the goalkeeper, who he remains in contact with, not conceding a single goal over the course of the season.

Herbert attributes his longevity to a philanthropic philosophy.

He said: "After serving as a special nurse in the Second World War, I found myself drawn to people who were finding it difficult to keep up.

"Being kind to other people is integral to being happy. I had some wonderful years teaching people in special needs classes, and have enjoyed looking after other people throughout my life."