A man born in Ammanford in the early 1920s has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Neville Bowen, who turned 100 on Thursday, September 22, has become one of the first people in the UK to qualify for a telegram sent by King Charles III.
Neville was a member of the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and was also involved in mining during his younger years.
Despite his travels during the war, home is where the heart is, and for Neville that was always Carmarthenshire, along with his wife Valmai, now 94.
The couple settled and started a family, which saw the two of them raise three children, ten grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Neville got himself a job as a driver in Pontarddulais, often driving vans around the area in the second half of the 20th century.
One of his hobbies for many decades has included woodturning, a hobby he has kept up to this day, even with a recent reduction in his sight and hearing.
Regularly going into his woodturning shed in his garden, Neville often crafts items which raise money for veterans charities.
In his more senior years, Neville has become a well-known member of many local Carmarthenshire communities.
Despite his triple-figure age, Neville has refused to slow down, joining multiple local groups and organisations, including Blind Veterans UK and Dinefwr Bowls.
His partially sighted bowling team held a birthday celebration for him on Wednesday, September 21, which many attended to join in with him.
This celebration was followed by his weekly Thursday meet with Blind Veterans UK in Ammanford falling on the special day, as they also hosted a small party to commemorate the special occasion.
In total, Neville was treated to six birthday cakes on the week of his centenary.
Neville then spent the rest of his birthday celebration with Valmia and his many descendants.
Wanda, Neville’s daughter, said: “We all had a wonderful time celebrating Dad’s 100th birthday.
"On behalf of his family, we would like to thank his many friends in Ammanford and the surrounding areas for making his week so very special.
"Dad, we are so proud of you and your achievements and we look forward to spending many more years enjoying your stories from when you were younger.
"We all love you very much!"
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