To mark the milestone event, grandson Brian, who runs Limotravel, has arranged for a week of trips in a limousine to spark some happy memories.

- Sign up for free Echo news email updates

First stop on the tour was the Stadium of Light where Dick enjoyed a celebratory lunch and tour surrounded by more than 20 grandchildren and countless great-grandchildren.

Dick, who lives in Fulwell, said: "I've smoked a pipe since I was 20 and it's never done me any harm and I always have a fried breakfast.
"I really and truly do feel fit and healthy. I think it helps that I don't hang around with other pensioners."

The centenarian was born in Pallion on August 18, 1908.

His many jobs included being a cobbler, sub-postmaster, a builder and a milkman making deliveries on horse and cart.

He also worked in the merchant navy and spent three years living in America during the depression, in the days of Al Capone.

Dick spent many years living at Eden Vale, with wife Ethel, until the house was bombed during World War Two. Dick was working on the fireboats at the time, but luckily his family had hidden under the stairs and he returned to find them safe.

The couple went on to live at Raby Street, Pallion, with their seven children: John, Brian, Billy, Dick, Ethel, Jean and Moira.

Ethel died aged 69 in 1982, and Jean, Moira and Dick are the only children still alive.

Grandson Brian, 47, said: "He's been through a lot and has lost his wife, three sons and a daughter, but he looks on the positive side of life and doesn't let things get him down.

"He's looked after me since I was born and has been more like a dad than a grandad."

Places Dick will visit on his travels include the Winter Gardens, Chillingham, where he worked as a sub-postmaster and Hartlepool Marina.
lAnyone who knows Dick and would like to get in touch can contact Brian on 07818 212121.