A PEEBLESSHIRE resident has joined the century club, having celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family.

Dr Herbert Burchnall, of Eshiels Mill, reached the landmark on Saturday and celebrated at Cringletie House Hotel.

Herbert has managed to fit a lot into his one hundred years.

Brought up in Durham, Herbert spent most of the Second World War aboard a minesweeper in the Mediterranean.

He attended Oxford University before spending time working at Manchester’s Joint Matriculation Board.

Herbert was subsequently enticed to the University of Liverpool where he is fondly remembered for his lengthy service as University Registrar between 1953 and 1984.

This remains the longest period of service by a Registrar in the United Kingdom, during which he was ably and lovingly supported by his late wife Anne.

Upon his retirement he received an OBE from the Queen and was granted an honorary degree by the University in recognition of his service.

Herbert’s contribution to the University was recognised by the late Professor J.F. Norbury, who said: “We shall recall his service with gratitude and himself with the greatest affection.”

Herbert has lived in the Peebles area since his retirement and continues to retain his intellect and independence.

Poetry recitals from his school days are frequent occurrences, although Herbert has recently agreed to stop driving – beating The Duke of Edinburgh in the process!