Visitors from France and all parts of England came together recently to celebrate the 100th birthday of an ex electrical engineer from Watford.

Donald Barham Marie Mackie celebrated the event on Saturday, June 27, his birthday, with a host of family and friends at Prince Michael of Kent Court, in Nascot Wood, Watford.

The management of the home put on a special champagne tea party, which was enjoyed by over 80 people. Singing and dancing also took place.

Mr Mackie was born in 1915 to his father Edward Mackie, a solicitor in Ealing and his mother, Countess Yolande de Chevigne, who was from Normandy in France.

He lived in London where met Dorothy his wife Dorothy Gittins. They married just before WWII and lived in Hampstead, North London, until the bombing got too severe.

They then moved away from London and moved to Watford to live in Rickmansworth Road, before moving to Green Lane in Oxhey until his wife died in 1975.

Donald has five children - Judith, Wendy, William, Janet and Francesca.

He attended Berkhamsted School before going to Kings College London where he trained as an electrical engineer.

Originally, he worked as the manager of the family business, Mackie and Co., when he was resident in London, but after moving to Watford, he worked at what is now Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden, working on projects such as the Comet and Concorde engine.

Tracy Lydon, activity organiser at the home, said: "Donald is a very lovely and much respected member of our Prince Michael family.

"Donald is amazing and still active and he comes to all the entertainment we have and enjoys to sing along and dance in his arm chair.

"We were delighted and honoured to be part of his 100th celebration."