100 years on board for Jospeh

A former bus conductor, driver and inspector who has notched up thousands of miles on the Midlands' roads celebrated clocking up a century surrounded by family and friends.

Joseph Harvey marked his 100th birthday at The Keepings nursing home in Priory Road, Dudley. Wife Sylvia, Mr Harvey's three daughters and three great-grandchildren looked on as the centenarian opened his telegram from the Queen, cut the cake and admired a balloon commemorating the milestone.

Mr Harvey said the celebrations had come as a total surprise. "I really don't care for a fuss, it's a bit embarrassing," he said. "All the family have been in to see me and there's all these people assembled.

"I suppose it was all arranged but I knew nothing about it."

A collage of photographs from throughout Mr Harvey's life and long service working on the buses and volunteering for St John's Ambulance was on display at the home. Holiday snaps taken in Torquay and others showing his love of horse riding also took pride of place.

The father-of-three, who grew up in Nechells, Birmingham, left school at 14 for the factory floor. He was made redundant amid the Great Depression of the 1930s and was out of work for 13 months before finding his job with the bus service.

He started as a bus conductor on the Outer Circle route in Birmingham and progressed up the ranks, becoming a driver, inspector and then office-based inspector.

"I can't say I ever enjoyed it," he says. "Lots of people these days say they love their job but I can't say I did."

Mr Harvey has also volunteered for St John's Ambulance.