A WHITCHURCH man has celebrated his 90th birthday to the delight of his family and friends.

Allan Shaw turned 90 last Tuesday (March 14) but held birthday celebrations over the weekend to mark the special occasion and raised £700 for a local group he supports.

Former RAF national serviceman Allan moved to Whitchurch when he was very young and managed the swimming pool for nearly 30 years for North Shropshire District Council where he taught children to swim.

He was also a firefighter.

Family and friends came from all over the UK including from as far away as Scotland, and his daughter Elaine Collier was pleased to see so many come to celebrate and said her father enjoyed the day.

She said: "He was really happy and pleased.

"It was really nice we got together and celebrated.

"We were determined it was going to be a happy occasion."

Allan is a member of Whitchurch Men in Sheds and people brought along donations for the club.

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Elaine said: "It was really good and he asked for donations instead of presents for the Men in Sheds where he attends.

"Yesterday he managed to raise £700 in donations.

"He was so pleased as you can imagine, it is a great boost for it."

She added: "I would like to thank everyone who came and kindly donated such a huge amount for it."

Elaine mentioned that the celebrations were held in Bridgewater Bowling Club.

She said: "My dad is a member and he is a former president. I think he has been a member for 30-plus years.

"We had friends and family. We had children there. The age ranges were between three and 90 years of age."

Elaine continued: "I am very fortunate to still have both my parents at their age.

"It is just nice to see him happy and being able to appreciate what he has as well.

"There are many people younger than him who are not as fortunate.

"He still bowls once a week indoors on a Monday. He attends Men in Sheds twice a week. He still drives and walks his dog.

"He is very fortunate at that age."