A man who has lived in Carterton for nearly a century took pride of place to turn on the town’s Christmas lights.

Jack Timms, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on Thursday, climbed the town hall steps to fire up the festive illuminations.

Mr Timms said: “It was a real honour. I would never have wanted to live anywhere other than Carterton.

“It’s been my home almost all my life.”

The great-grandfather of seven was born in neighbouring Shilton, but moved to Carterton when he was just six months old.

Mr Timms has lived virtually all his life in the same family home in Shilton Road.

“I am the oldest survivor from those early days of Carterton,” he said.

“So much has changed. The town has just kept growing.

“I can still remember the days when my father took his tomatoes and lettuces to Fairford market.”

Mr Timms was joined on Friday night by his wife Peggy, 87, and other family members at the lights switch on.

He later mingled with families at a Victorian-themed Christmas fair.