A former RAF pilot and the owner of one of the UK's largest haulage companies has celebrated turning 100.
Charles Brain of Hawstead in Buckhurst Hill celebrated his centenary with a party alongside 75 friends and family members at his daughter's home in Church Lane on Tuesday (March 31).
Mr Brain was born in Kentish Town where he grew up and married wife Rayian before leaving to become a Royal Air Force pilot during the Second World War, an experience he describes as "horrific".
In 1945, following the war, Mr Brain, who is grandfather to Wimbledon legend David Felgate and great-grandfather to actress Alice Felgate, moved to Gants Hill in Essex with his wife where they had children Jean, Carol and John and set up transport company, Brain Haulage.
The company soon became one of the UK's largest with a fleet of over 120 lorries that would transport large containers across the world.
In 1995 Mr Brain, who is described by his family as an Arsenal fanatic who wears suits every day, moved to Buckhurst Hill.
Daughter, Jean Felgate, 73, said: "When we were younger dad would always take us out and as soon as we turned 17 he was teaching us to drive which was quite unusual back then as women didn't really drive.
"Dad is a fantastic man and is showing no signs of aging apart from his eyes, everyone always says he doesn't seem a day over 80.
"It was great for all of the family to get together to celebrate such a fantastic achievement.
"He is the most marvellous father."
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