Europe's oldest man celebrates his 112th birthday - with an RAF flypast

Henry Allingham lunched with dignitaries including Air Vice Marshal Peter Dye, before a Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane honoured his achievement with a flypast at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

He is the last founder member of the RAF. His life has spanned three centuries and six monarchs and he is just one of three known UK survivors from the First World War.

He said: 'I'm a lucky guy. I am looking forward to a wonderful day and to seeing the family.

'People ask me how I've done it, and I just say that I look forward to another tomorrow.'

Europe's oldest man Henry Allingham celebrates his 112th birthday

The parachute display by the RAF Falcons was cancelled due to low cloud but the team jumped out of a Chinook helicopter instead to present Mr Allingham with a birthday card signed by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy.

After the presentation, a Lancaster bomber flanked by two spitfires flew over the college lawn in front of Mr Allingham and his 44 guests, who included his great-great-grandchildren Erik Carlson, two, and four-month-old Lila Rose Gray.

A two-seater single-engine Tutor aircraft then performed an acrobatic display above the college's main building for the assembled guests.

Asked for the secret of long life Mr Allingham said: 'I don't think there's a particular reason. The only thing I can say is all my life I have lived within my limitations, take life slowly, don't get any stress or strains. The more birthdays I enjoy the longer I live.

'The fly past was a very nice gesture and I want to show my appreciation for what you have done. My best wishes to you all.'

Henry is presented with a birthday card by members of the RAF

Air Vice Marshal Peter Dye paid tribute to Mr Allingham's achievement of reaching 112.

'Henry is a most modest man but I also think he is the most incredible of individuals.

'He has a passion and a determination to tell people about his experiences and to bear witness to those who served like him in World War One.

'He recognises that he was incredibly lucky to survive the experience and he knows he is only one of a few surviving veterans but he is determined to talk about his experiences and about what it meant.'

Many of Mr Allingham's family had flown over from America to watch the celebrations, in what is the 90th anniversary year of the RAF.

David Gray, 59, from northern Michigan, said his grandfather, Mr Allingham, was the joint-second oldest person in the world.

The event was also attended by Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns (Second Sea Lord and commander-in-chief Naval Home Command).

The Government announced two years ago that the death of the last known First World War veteran would be marked by a national memorial service at Westminster Abbey.

Passing wisdom through the generations: Henry speaks to younger personnel about his experiences