One of the last surviving officers of the Royal Norfolk Regiment and one of the region's oldest residents has been honoured on his 106th birthday.

Celebrating with his family, staff and residents at Broadlands care home in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Gilbert Baird marked a memorable occasion - with "a regular tot of whiskey" one of the secrets to his long life.

Gilbert Baird celebrates his 106th birthday with his daughters and granddaughter. Picture: Mick Howes  (Image: Mick Howes)

His daughters Maggy Kilpatrick and Sue Lancaster had travelled from London and Cambridge respectively for the special celebrations, while granddaughter Anna Short was also present after travelling from her home in Sydney, Australia.

Born in Great Yarmouth on July 17, 1918, Mr Baird would go on to work at Barclays Bank before joining the 4th Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment at the end of the 1930s.

Gilbert Baird during his time in the Army. Picture: The Baird family  (Image: The Baird family)

After being called up to become a full-time soldier on September 2, 1939, he quickly became a corporal, before being promoted to Lieutenant in January 1941 when he transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Norfolk Regiment.

He travelled to Egypt - via Brazil and South Africa - before moving to Palestine via Khartoum, and was promoted to temporary captain as he subsequently fought in Italy, France and Germany.

Gilbert Baird celebrates his 106th birthday. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

While in the army he played a number of sports, was a keen swimmer, and after the war he played at Gorleston golf club up until he was 90.

His younger brother Ronald was shot down and killed while attacking merchant shipping in Tripoli harbour in 1941.

After leaving the army the former captain returned to banking and married Millicent, nee Hale, in Norwich in 1948.

Gilbert and Millicent Baird on their wedding day in January 1948 in Norwich. Picture: The Baird family (Image: The Baird family) After rejoining Barclays Bank, Mr Baird managed several of their Norfolk offices, including Acle, Cromer and Gorleston, and he was treasurer of the local RNLI for many years.

They lived in Norwich before moving to Great Yarmouth and then Gorleston, where his wife passed away aged 90 in 2015.

He still has a house in Gorleston, having lived on Buxton Avenue since the 1960s, but now resides at Broadlands, a not-for-profit Greensleeves Care home in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.

'An absolute delight'

As probably the last surviving officer of the Royal Norfolk Regiment, Mr Baird is also an honorary member of the East Norfolk Lodge in Gt Yarmouth - having been a freemason for 60 years and held every office in the lodge - as he's thought to be the oldest freemason in Norfolk.

Worshipful Brother Malcolm Rose keeps in contact with Mr Baird and he brought him a bottle of whiskey for his 106th birthday.

Mr Baird enjoys watching Dads Army - his favourite programme - with Captain Mainwaring also a bank manager.

Gilbert Baird celebrates his 106th birthday with his family. Picture: Mick Howes  (Image: Mick Howes)

Asked about his secret of long life, his daughters said he "enjoyed a regular tot of whiskey."

He also has "always been positive" and enjoys trips out in the car particularly to Southwold where he enjoys fish and chips.

Broadlands care home manager Anne Maas said: "Gilbert is amazing for his age and has a full and happy life at Broadlands.

"He is an absolute delight to care for.

"He has a very supportive family and can often be seen whizzing around on his mobility scooter."