Karl Drexhage of Carharrack got the surprise of his life when he heard the door bell ring at the crack of dawn on his 90th birthday, to find his friend Linda Piggott with a birthday cake.

Linda had persuaded a Samaritans colleague to make and decorate the cake with a replica of Karl’s first car, a yellow Austin Healey.

Born in Germany in 1925, Karl had served in World War II as a plotter before being taken prisoner of war by the Americans and transported by troop carrier to the USA. He moved to England after the war in 1946 and it was while serving in the officers’ mess near Southampton that he met the woman who was to become his wife for over 50 years.

Karl said: "I knew when I first set eyes on Doris, who was manager of the NAAFI, that she was the one for me."

They settled down to life on the Isle of Wight until moving to Carharrack in the mid-90s, where Karl is a popular resident, always quick to help others and a friend to all.

When asked how he thought life had changed in the last 90 years he said: "The biggest difference has been the technological revolution. Life is much better now, with everything more modern and much safer. I can remember when our stoves were solid fuel and then when we got gas it was very dangerous. There were a lot of accidents.

"It feels great to be 90, and I’m looking forward to going out to celebrate with my friends Alison and Geoff. I still enjoy a slap up meal and a glass or two of my favourite red wine, the secret to my long life I am sure."