A great-grandfather marked a huge milestone with family and friends as he celebrated his 100th birthday in Hounslow.

On March 15 Harbans Lal Bhardwaj of Church Road, Heston , turned 100, and a party was held in his honour at The Riverside Venue, Bath Road with around 350 people attending.

When asked about the secret to a long life, Mr Bhardwaj said: "It is simple life style and simple eating and drinking habits along with plenty of hard work."

Around 350 family and friends gathered to mark century of Harbans Lal Bhardwaj of Heston
Harbans Lal Bhardwaj of Heston celebrated 100th birthday

Born in 1917 and an only child, he was brought up by his father after his mother died when he was just six-months-old in Punjab, India.

He qualified as a surveyor and married in July 1936 after which he had five sons and one daughter.

His family tree has grown to include 21 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Mr Bhardwaj with his family in 1963
Harbans Lal Bhardwaj in 1995

He came over to England on a ship on July 14, 1955, a day he remembers clearly, a day which helped provide a better life for his large family.

He lived and worked in Coventry for more than three decades and was joined by his wife and offspring by 1962.

Mr Bhardwaj worked as a labourer for Dunlop and Alfred Herbert before retiring in 1968, and taking up gardening - a hobby he gave up just a couple of years ago.

His wife died at the age of 45 from kidney failure, followed by his father in 1976 at the age of 88 during a visit to see the family.

In 1984 he lost his eldest son, who never came to England, as he was in the Indian Air Force.

100th birthday of Harbans Lal Bhardwaj of Heston celebrated with family and friends at The Riverside Venue

Since 1988 he has lived in Heston with son Vipon, and daughter-in-law Sunita.

His special moments in life include seeing his children and grandchildren's graduations and marriages.

Vipon said the best thing his father had ever done was to bring the family to England.

He added: "Here we had the opportunity to gain better education and have decent jobs for a comfortable standard of living."

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