A MUCH-LOVED man has celebrated his 100th birthday with a special surprise visit to Basingstoke's Milestones museum.

George Hulcoop enjoyed a spectacular day at the history museum on Wednesday, January 11 as he marked reaching the milestone age with his neighbours and friends.

The centenarian, who has lived in Basingstoke his whole life, worked for Wallis & Steevens, which produced agricultural equipment, traction engines, and steam and diesel road rollers, making the visit the perfect place for George to reminisce over his working life.

Incredibly George told the Gazette that he did not retire until he was 80-years-old and has always liked to stay busy.

Basingstoke Gazette: George enjoyed the day with his friends George enjoyed the day with his friends (Image: Newsquest)

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George said that when he left school he went to work on a farm and always had an interest in cars and agriculture.

He said: "I started at Wallis & Steevans in 1947. I worked on the engineering side and then I worked my way to the agricultural side and then I finished up there lorry driving, delivering agricultural machinery."

George was happily married to his wife Daphne, known to the family as Bett, who died a few years ago. Since then George said he is now very grateful that his neighbours and friends Dawn and Andy Andrews and Jaqueline Lacy visit regularly. He said they all have a "heart of gold".

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Basingstoke Gazette: George at the museum with his friends and neighbours George at the museum with his friends and neighbours (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking about the museum trip, George said: "It has all been a surprise for me. People don't take me as being 100. Dawn and Andy are very good neighbours and friends and Jacky is my next of kin really and the only person I got. They have a heart of gold."

George enjoyed receiving his card from the King and getting his dart-themed birthday cake - a hobby he has enjoyed for much of his life.

He added: "The whole day has turned out to be really nice."