A SPRIGHTLY centenarian has celebrated his 100th birthday with a 21st century toy.

Computer savvy John Denerley, who lives on Linton Lane in Alderley Edge with wife Audrey, 93, says modern technology is half the battle toward staying fit and healthy.

He was treated to a iPad Air for his landmark birthday on January 8.

He said: “I'm not a silver surfer, I'm a platinum surfer.

“I love modern technology, I think you have to move with the times.

“I use it email, search the internet and get information on Alderley Edge and Wilmslow, if I was left to it I would be on it 24 hours a day, it's fascinating. I like to keep my brain going.”

John, who is originally from Manchester, moved to Alderley Edge in 1987.

He added: “I don't feel any different to when I was 99. I've been out shopping this morning and walked up and down 240 steps – I know how many because we live on the third floor and there are 30 steps up and 30 down,

I've been up and down four times today.”

“I don't think I would have believed it if you told me when I was a child I would live to a hundred – grandparents would walk around as if they were on their last legs and they were only in their 40s and 50s in those days.

“You've always got to look forward to tomorrow.”

John's wife Audrey, who he married 1948, added: “The secret is having a sense of humour.

“It's also about enjoying your life and don't criticise others, you don't know how you would react in a similar situation.

“We are fortunate to be very healthy – the only medication we are on is for blood pressure, we are in good health.

“We have done everything in moderation, you have to enjoy yourself.”

John was born in Manchester and moved to Liverpool when he was 10.

He trained as a pharmacist and, after serving in the RAF during the war, ran pharmacies in London.

He and Audrey moved to Alderley Edge to be near their son Paul, his wife Linda and their two grandchildren, Sarah Bates and Melissa Norman.

They have four great-grandchildren, James, 15, Jason, 13, Daniel, nine, and two-year-old Matilda.