AN ALMELEY man who protected the village in the Second World War will celebrate his hundredth birthday today.

Owen George Davies was born on August 4, 1918 in Kinnersley while the First World War was still raging on the battlefields of northern Europe.

Mr Davies and his parents moved to Almeley in 1924 and it is there where he has spent the rest of his life.

Educated at Almeley Primary School and Lady Hawkins Grammar School, the former farmer played football and cricket for in Almeley and the surrounding villages.

The avid sportsman, who retired aged 65, continued to play bowls at Kington Bowling Club until the age of 94.

During the Second World War Mr Davies was a member of the Almeley Home Guard.

He earned the title ‘Almeley Sniper’ as he was the only member to hit the bull’s eye during a foggy rifle practice.

Mr Davies married his sweetheart Violet after the war in 1946 and the couple have three daughters: Rosemarie, Cheryl and Joy.

His four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren will join the family celebrations today to mark Mr Davies’ centenary year, when he will receive a telegram from the Queen.