A DARTS-LOVING Usk man hit 102 today, marking the occasion with a party with family and friends Gilbert Pearce, known to everyone as Tom, celebrated the milestone with a get together at the town's Royal British Legion.

Mr Pearce, who lives in Clare Court, is an Ipswich native and moved to Monmouthshire when he was 25.

While working on a farm in Llanbadoc, he met wife Lena, and the couple were married for 64 years.

The couple had two children, the late Eileen, who died in 2009, aged 74, and Cyril, 70, a former semi-professional darts and four-inch nails thrower.

The avid Arsenal supporter also has 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Mr Pearce, himself pretty handy at the 'oche', worked as a farm labourer at Pantycwcw Farm near Usk for 25 years and farmers would take him to different parts of Monmouthshire for competitions, winning around £30 a time.

He later worked as a foreman for Monmouthshire council and at the age of 85, was still helping local farmers round up sheep.

When Mr Pearce turned 96, his son arranged for a special visit from former World Champion darts player John Lowe.

In his youth, Mr Pearce played for several pub teams in Usk and Caerleon and remained active until well into his 90s.

Cyril Pearce said: "He's enjoying life and he looks forward to his birthday, big time, it's nice to get everyone together and 102 is a fantastic age."