A great-grandfather who spent his life designing aircraft celebrated his 100th birthday with his family on Christmas Eve.

Edward Ernest Dean became a centenarian on December 24, spending the day celebrating with his two children, John Dean and Jackie Handscombe, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Born in Tottenham, north London, Mr Dean moved to his home in St Andrew’s Close, Stanmore, in 1940 after marrying his wife Gladys, who passed away two years ago, aged 95.