Stanley Hardcastle Inman — a resident at Royd Hill Nursing Home, in Sutton — will celebrate his 100th birthday on Wednesday.

The only child of Henry and Kathleen Inman, he has lived around the Craven area most of his life and remembers having a happy childhood.

From an early age he loved classical music and was a fantastic piano player, playing in local concerts as often as he could. When he left school, he worked as a door-to-door salesman selling haberdashery. He also did some voluntary work at Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton.

He never married which, he says, is the secret to a long and happy life. When his mum and dad died, he continued to live in Skipton — where he was born — doing the job he loved and playing his beloved piano.

Eventually, Stanley moved to Neville House rest home, at Gargrave, where he had some happy times. When his mobility and eyesight deteriorated Stanley moved into Royd Hill Nursing Home.