A FORMER war time aircraft gunner celebrated his 90th birthday with a visit from the Royal Navy Association.

Edward Spence celebrated with friends and family at Island View Care Home, Barry Island on Thursday, March 6.

Ted, who has lived in Barry his whole life, said it was "wonderful" to receive an unexpected visit from members of the Royal Navy Association.

Ted is the eldest of who grew up together in Fairford Street, Barry.

He served in the Royal Navy for four and half years during World War Two, starting his service at 18-years-old in Alexandria Egypt on the HMS Antwerp.

He started out as a radar operator before progressing to become an aircraft gunner.

Ted went on to bring up four children with his late wife Marion at Dudley Place, Barry.

When asked what he recalled most notably about his time in the Navy, he said it was the camaraderie among his shipmates.

Edward also joked that he thought his time in the Navy contributed to his long life.

"I had a good diet," he said. "We said some good cooks. The bad ones would go over board."