SECOND World War veteran Charlie Horne celebrated his 100th birthday in style, surrounded by family, friends and a special visit from the Lord Lieutenant.
Charlie was born in Prestonpans on November 26, 1925, and last weekend more than 100 people enjoyed a party at Port Seton Bowling Club to mark his milestone birthday.
Charlie's daughters Carolyn Algeo, Jean Craig and Margaret Nemri were among those celebrating, as well as his younger siblings, Nancy, 87, and Gordon, 85.
The birthday gathering brought together several generations of the family: Jean, 75, is also mother to Rebecca, 46, and Stephanie, 43, while Margaret, 69, is mother to Ghalia, 38. Carolyn, 57, has two children: Charlotte, 29, and Jonny, 28.
And Charlie is a proud great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren; twins Ava and Alessa, 10, Sebastian, 11, and Sam, five.
Carolyn said that the family had spent all week replying to birthday messages on Charlie’s behalf and had been stunned by the outpouring of affection for their father.
Carolyn said: "Jean, Margaret and I are overwhelmed with the love and appreciation shown to dad.
"Dad says he had a wonderful day and thought he was just going out for a cup of tea.
"We’d like to thank all our family and friends, some of whom travelled quite a distance to be there; what an amazing day!"
When he was just 18, Charlie was stationed in the engine-room of one of the first vessels to travel to the beaches of northern France on D-Day in 1944.
HMS Motor Minesweeper 291 was one of many units sent ahead to clear Omaha Beach for the arrival of American troops.
Charlie, who was a fisherman for nearly 50 years and is a long-standing Port Seton resident, continued to clear mines across Europe, North Africa and Asia after the war before being demobbed in 1947.
Charlie met his wife Jenny Thayne at a Musselburgh dance one night following his return from war.
Fittingly, there was plenty of dancing at his birthday party, kicked off by the Jedburgh Pipe Band, who gave an all-star performance.
He had not one but two visits from the Lord Lieutenant: one at his party and another on his actual birthday last Wednesday, when he was presented with his card from the King.
Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, said: "I was so pleased to have been invited to Charlie Horne’s special 100th birthday party.
"Charlie’s arrival at the bowling club hall was wonderful, as he walked in to the pipe band playing Scotland the Brave.
"It was a memorable moment, with everyone standing and clapping him in. You could feel the fiercely strong sense of pride and community in Port Seton, with many guests also having been involved in the fishing industry, as was Charlie and his forebears.
"Charlie is such a modest but special person, but I know that he will have much appreciated everyone gathering to rightly celebrate his big birthday.
"It was also a great pleasure for me to formally present Charlie, at his home, with a 100th birthday card from the King and Queen. I was accompanied by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Petty Officer Tayla Patton of Musselburgh Sea Cadets, who much appreciated the opportunity of again meeting Charlie and hearing about his days in the Navy and at sea."
The family also thanked everyone for their gifts and for donations, which will go to a charity still to be chosen by Charlie.
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