A WAR veteran affectionately known as ‘the ancient mariner’ in Chagford was treated to a birthday parade through the centre of town to mark his 100th birthday.

Resident Tony McCrum, a retired Royal Navy captain who saw service in Dunkirk during the Second World War, was driven in a vintage Bentley to applause and cheers from hundreds of people.

Shops, businesses and homes were decorated with Union Jack flags, bunting and balloons along Tony’s route which started in the square.

When the car stopped outside the primary school, the children came out to greet him.

‘Children love him and he loves children,’ said Lucy Rice, who took the photographs of the memorable occasion featured here.

‘It is no exaggeration to say that he is loved by all generations in Chagford.’

Pipers led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday for Tony and then everyone sang For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow and gave three cheers. The church bells were also rung in Tony’s honour.

The parade took place on Wednesday, March 13, Tony’s 100th birthday.

Tony said he was ‘thrilled and overwhelmed’ by the parade and thanked everyone for making it such a special day.

He said he was totally taken by surprise by the number of people who turned out and particularly moved by the ranks of children lining the school fence. ‘It was very heartening,’ he said.

Tony joined the Royal Navy in 1932, seeing service all over the world, before finally retiring to Chagford in 1984.

His pride in the navy is matched by his love and knowledge of Dartmoor, across almost every inch of which he has walked ever since living in Belstone as a teenager.

Pictures by Lucy Rice