ONE hundreds years ago, the First World War had just begun –- and most people still used horses rather than cars.

So for Leonard John Purse, born 100 years ago, a career as a horseman beckoned, as he followed in his father’s footsteps.

Mr Purse was born on September 11, 1914, in East Coker, Yeovil, Somerset.

100One hundred years, later a party was held to mark the occasion at his home in Duffryn with family and friends.

He said: “It has been both a mercy and a privilege to have lived through a the present century. I have experienced many joys and a very happy marriage of 74 years to my late wife Florence.”

As a child, Mr Purse moved to Spetchley Park, Worcestershire, and at the age of 14, he worked with his father who was a coachman to Squire Berkeley of Berkeley Castle, Gloucester.

He said: “From a very early age horses werebecame an important part of my life and I became a hunt servant at the age of 16 years.”

He was second horseman until he was sent to County Galway, Western Ireland, as a second whip, wearing the traditional red coat livery.

Two years later he was again sent by Squire Berkeley to the Cottesmore Hhunt in Rutland.

He lived and worked in Oakham, Rutland, and had a family. Mr Purse now lives in Nightingale Court in Duffryn.

He said: “Having lived happily in Newport for some years, I would like to thank the staff and residents of Nightingale Court for their care and support, all of which has safely brought me thus far, together with an assured and certain hope for the future.”

Mr Purse receivedhad numerous manycards to mark his birthday, many coming from his extended family that, which includes two children, six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

DHis daughter, Mary, added that it was quite emotional as he opened his telegram from The Queen, calling itsaying it was “very special”.