ONE of North Yorkshire’s oldest residents has celebrated his 105th birthday.

Leonard Hodder, of Springhill Court sheltered housing complex in Easingwold, celebrated the milestone on Monday with family and friends along with the Mayor of Easingwold, Brian Taylor.

Mr Hodder, a favourite at Springhill Court, is regarded by all as one of the more youthful tenants, in spirit if not age, and is well known as a smart dresser and raconteur.

The son of a Derby tailor, he joined the family firm on leaving school shortly after the First World War and later lived in Cornwall, where he married, then Reading and London, where he worked at the Tower of London. He retired to North Yorkshire 40 years ago. A keen sportsman in his day he puts his longevity down to “those genes”.