Lancashire man reaches 100th birthday with one bit of advice

Originally born in Scorton in 1924, William Howson reached the landmark birthday on Sunday, March 10 at his home in Wrayton, near Melling.

Having researched his family lineage, Mr Howson has been able to link his ancestors back to Carlisle in 1677.

William on his 21st birthday in 1945 (Image: Alison Travis)

When asked about what it takes to reach such a fine age, he said: "It's simple really - just keep living!"

Throughout his working life, Mr Howson has farmed in the region, adding his name to the rich agricultural ancestry of the northwest.

William and Edith on their wedding day in 1951 (Image: Alison Travis)

Away from that, he was a magistrate for 30 years and a member of the Shepherds Choir for a decade.

Mr Howson has been married to his beloved partner Edith for 72 years, having hosted their wedding at Arkholme Chapel in 1951.

As a result of that long lasting relationship he now has four children, nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

William with his brother Leslie (Image: Alison Travis)

And it is not the first time that a member of his family has reached their centenary, with his mother celebrating her 100th birthday in 1989.

Mr Howson on the day of his retirement as a Magistrate (Image: Alison Travis)

In his later years following retirement from the legal sector, he has taken up the collecting of local postcards and photos of chapels in the north west.

Perhaps the best recognition of his 100 years could be seen with the visit of his family members on Sunday to mark the big birthday.

It was his granddaughter Alison who wanted the special day to be commemorated in a suitable manner, regardless of how 'taken aback' Mr Howson was by the attention.