Jack's still going strong at 104

He says he's always "worked hard and played hard" – and now, at the ripe old age of 104, Jack Jones is staying true to form, still going to the pub and enjoying "dates" with a posse of female admirers.

Jack, who lives at Accord Housing Association's Enville Place retirement scheme in Short Street, Stourbridge, did not give up his job as a long-distance van driver until he was 78.

And he has had two parties since turning 104 on Sunday – one on the big day itself, attended by friends, including several ladies with whom he enjoys social events, and the other yesterday with residents from Enville Place.

"I've always worked hard and played hard, which is why I think I have reached this age," said Jack.

"I had an exceptionally good marriage, which lasted for nearly 50 years, to my wife, Winn, who died 22 years ago. And since then I have enjoyed going out with ladies."

He describes Adele Cleeton, aged 60, of Kingswinford, who sometimes takes him out to restaurants and the theatre, as his "sweetheart" – but she stresses it is a "platonic" friendship.

West Bromwich Albion fan Jack, who was born in Enville, near Stourbridge, later moved with his family to Churchill and then Hackman's Gate, both near Hagley.

He passed his driving test at 17 and travelled all over the country – not stopping driving until he was aged 96.

And once a week he still goes to meet old pals at The Greyhound pub in Norton Road, Stourbridge.