A SECOND World War veteran was honoured with a flypast by the Royal Navy as he celebrated his 100th birthday in Looe.

Eric Woolley – known as Monty – is one of the few men still alive to have survived the Dieppe raid of August 1942, where more than 3,300 men were killed, wounded or captured by the German occupying forces.

Eric was a crew member on High Speed Launch 186 during the raid, the only rescue launch to return to her base in Dover.

His wartime experiences also included flying the twin-winged Vickers Vimy and serving as a gunner during the Arctic convoys.

An accomplished pianist, in his civilian life Eric made a career of demonstrating organs, and played for a time with the Cyril Stapleton Band. He performed at Blackpool Tower as well as on the Wurlitzer at Nottingham's ice rink.

Eric and his family moved to Looe in the 1950s, and a keen interest in civic matters led him to take an active role in various organisations in the town. He has been mayor of Looe and has twice chaired the East Looe Town Trust, and was made a burgess of the town in 2006.

Guests including the mayor and mayoress of Looe and representatives of the town's organisations were joined at the celebrations by representatives of the 504 Squadron Association, who had provided a birthday cake.

Those unable to attend paid tribute and respect via social media to a 'top man' who had done so much to serve his country.

Daughter Mary Bannister said that the family had had to play down the events planned for her dad's birthday – but that he had been amazed and pleased by the surprise.

'He didn't really know what was going to happen – he knew he was going to the Millpool Centre and would see some old friends,' she said.

'He was so amazed and so pleased with the day. He had tears in his eyes many, many times.'

Eric himself said he was 'feeling good' about reaching the milestone birthday.

'I'm still here! I'm glad I've reached 100,' he said. 'I'm glad that in the passing years, I've done something to help.'