After finishing his school day, Herbert James Stott would collect his rifle and head out to protect our coasts during World War II.

Aged just 14, the Billingham lad joined the Home Guard and part of his duties were patrolling the Seaton Carew area to guard against potential invasion. He later went on to serve as an anti-tank gunner in the Irish Guards, both during the war at Arnhem and then in a post-war security role in Palestine.

Today, Saturday, August 16, the much-loved Wolviston dad, grandad and great-grandfather, known as Jim, celebrates his 100th birthday. His proud daughter Lucy said her father is "one of life's true gentlemen" who loves to share a story or two about his time in the war, "particularly after a wee dram!"

Born in Haverton Hill on August 16, 1925, Jim worked fo

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