Rustington man Frank Russell celebrates 100th birthday

Frank Russell turned 100 on Monday and was spoilt with cake, presents and a card from the King and Queen consort.

The centenarian, described by his daughter Jennie as a “very happy man”, and his twin brother Ted were born in Victoria Terrace, Littlehampton.

Frank with his birthday card from the King (Image: Simon Dack)

He lives with his wife of 67 years, Jean, at their home in Rustington.

Frank, who was one of five children, trained to be a plumber when he left school at the age of 14 and served in the Littlehampton Auxiliary Fire Service at the start of the Second World War as he was too young to join the Armed Forces.

He then served in the Home Guard before serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers towards the end of the war.

Frank and Ted (Image: Simon Dack)

His plumbing skills meant he was demobbed from the service to help repair and rebuild the country following the conflict.

When he was working in South Terrace, Littlehampton, Frank fell from the roof and broke all the bones in his hand and pelvis and hit his head. He had to stay in hospital for six months.

It was after this incident that Frank met Jean, now 93, in the town.

Frank blowing out the candles on his birthday cake (Image: Simon Dack)

A friend of Jean's mother lodged at Frank’s great aunt’s house and Frank first set eyes on Jean as he walked past the house when she came out one day.

The couple have two children, daughter Jennie and son Clive, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“They’ve had a lovely life,” said Jennie. “They’re an amazing couple. He’s a very happy man, he’s generous and kind.”

Jennie said Frank was a wonderful father and their home was always full of friends growing up.

Frank with his twin brother Ted and his sister Ivy (Image: Simon Dack)

Family and friends celebrated Frank’s special day at Mewsbrook Park Café in Rustington last Sunday where he was presented with a cake made by his niece.

The creation was inspired by his love of gardening and the allotment he tended to. The cake also referred to the trade bike he would use to carry his plumbing tools in.

“He really enjoyed himself,” said Jennie. “We had a brilliant day.”

Jennie said the park holds great memories for the family as it was the closest one to where they grew up.

“When he was a child it was just a swamp,” said Jennie

“He’s seen it go from being a swamp to being built into a really successful park now with a pond and play area and train. It’s lovely.”

A plaque has also been put on the long bench on the seafront in Littlehampton to commemorate Frank's birthday.