Joe Dixon, one of Britain’s oldest men is celbrating his 109th birthday in Scarborough Court RMBI care home in Cramlington Northumberland. He marked his milestone birthday on Saturday, October 1st. Care home staff had issued a touching appeal for people to send Joe a birthday card in the hope of presenting him with 109 cards on the day.

Joe was born in Walker in 1913 and went on to become a firefighter, serving Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for 50 years. After joining the service in 1937, Joe worked at the Pilgrim Street fire station in Newcastle where he lived in the married quarters with his wife Lydia.

During the Second World War, Joe served in RAF Bomber Command and returned to work as a firefighter when it ended. He worked his way up to becoming chief fire officer before retiring in 1964.  Joe, is a great granddad and very proud of it.

Joe said: “I have always felt very important in my job.

Happy Birthday Joe from all Durham freemasons.