Veteran celebrates 100th birthday

A SECOND World War veteran was joined by family and friends from across Europe to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Wladyslaw Lapot, of Copthall Road West, Ickenham, marked his centenarian with a lunch at The Barn Hotel, in West End Road, Ruislip, on Saturday (6).

The Polish veteran survived 30 bombing missions during the war and was even awarded with the Virtuti Militari - the highest Polish honour.

After the war ended he decided to stay in the UK to work for BOAC (now British Airways) for 15 years before retiring in 1959.

However, he went on to open Marinka coffee bar in Field End Road, Eastcote, where he worked for 13 years.

Other jobs followed, including a stint as a night watchman with Securicor before he officially retired 30 years ago to look after his wife Alicia.

The grandfather-of-two was treated to a celebratory lunch with his family and friends, some coming from as far as Holland, Poland and Italy.

His daughter, Alexandra Lapot, said: "He had a really lovely time and someone from the Polish embassy brought him a letter from the ambassador, which he was delighted by."

Mr Lapot lived in Ickenham Road, Ruislip, for 54 years before moving to his current home.