A tot of rum perfect way for veteran to celebrate centenary

FORMER Navy war veteran Reg Draper plans to celebrate his 100th birthday by sticking to his daily tipple - a tot of rum.

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The sprightly 99-year-old got into the habit when he was in charge of dishing out the liquor when he served aboard the Duke of York battleship during operations in the Second World War.

Seeing action with the Arctic Convoys and being on hand for the surrender of the Japanese needed a bit of fortitude and a daily swig of rum was just the tonic.

It also helped when a game of deck hockey ended with him in sick bay after being clattered by Prince Philip!

Reg has had a tot each day since then and has thrived through 25 years of leading Sea Cadets in the North West and later as a Pearl Insurance sales rep.