CHILDREN at a Braintree school have helped a centenarian celebrate his 100th birthday.
Cyril Dearle, of Cressing Road, visited the children of Beckers Green Primary School on his big day.
Pupils there had created their own bunting and sang a resounding rendition of Happy Birthday for Cyril, as well as tucking into cake.
They also got the chance to quiz Cyril, who was happy to share stories about his long life.
School spokesman Karen Barefield said: "He could even remember his favourite teacher's name from when he was a child.
"The children were shocked to hear that he had been given the cane for talking in class.
"They were fascinated to hear him talk about his experiences of working at the Savoy Hotel and in Germany during the Second World War."
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