A Dumbarton man who has clocked up 100 years of age celebrated his milestone birthday in Top Gear style with a trip through the town in a vintage car.

Motor enthusiast Jack Lennie was VIP for the day when he was driven from his house in a sporty 1967 Triumph Vitesse to a birthday party in Alexandria where family, friends and neighbours were waiting to congratulate him.

Around 50 well-wishers gave the centenarian a hearty round of applause as he arrived in style in the blue convertible Triumph to get the celebration under way at Corries Restaurant.

But while glasses were raised in his honour, tee-total Jack, of Geils Quadrant, opted for a soft drink - and his aversion to alcohol is one reason why he believes he has lived so long.

In an interview with the Reporter, he said: "I have never drank or smoked. The first time I tasted alcohol was during the war when I fainted after giving a pint of blood. A nurse gave me brandy saying it was for medicinal purposes but I hated the taste and have never touched a drop since."

John Lennie - known to everyone as Jack - was born at 4 Victoria Street, Dumbarton, during the First World War and has lived in the town all his life.

He worked initially for Westclox in Dumbarton but spent most of his working life as a draughtsman with three local companies that are now defunct - Denny's engine works, the Blackburn Aviation Factory and Burroughs Adding Machines.

At Denny's, the work he was doing was considered key to the war effort and he was not called up, but he did join the Dumbarton Home Guard.

He said: "I finished my working life as a workshop technician at Our Lady and St Patrick's High School. It was a great job and I loved it but was given compulsory retirement at the age of 65. Somebody had decided I was no longer needed."

Jack, whose wife Sheila died at the age of 89 six years ago, added: "I keep in quite good health and I am not on medication. I get around the house not too badly and have a home help who comes in.

"I am very fortunate in having good neighbours. Ian and Margo Hood look after me well. They help me do crosswords and jigsaws and that keeps the brain working. Margo also does the messages for me which is great."

Son Ian said: "Dad is very independent and will insist on doing certain things himself, although his home help assists very well. He is fortunate in having very good neighbours who see him every day. He has an interest in many things and is even a member of the local astronomy group."

Jack has also had a lifelong passion for cars and is the proud owner of a 1964 MG1100 which is still in tip-top condition, having had its MOT renewed this week. And before heading to the party he couldn't resist having his picture taken beside the classy motor which is his pride and joy.

Ian said: "He would love to drive it - but for obvious reasons we won't let him!"

Ian, who runs Argyll Auto Accessories in Alexandria, said he was grateful for the support he had received in organising the party, which was attended by his his brother David, who had flown in from Thailand, and other family members, including Jack's grandchildren Karolyn and Alan and great grandchildren Ashley and Natasha, who are 11-year-old twins, and one-year-old Aaren.

The Triumph Vitesse was supplied and driven by Ian's friend Ian McPherson and the birthday cake was gifted by Linda Mason who runs Cakes by Linda in Alexandria.

The VIP theme continued after the party when the centenarian motor enthusiast was taken home in a top-of-the-range hybrid Mercedes, driven by family friend Gavin Fitsimmons.

The customary message of congratulations from the Queen now sits with other cards in Jack's living room.