Eric is 102

The best-known resident of Peterhouse in Old Town is a former newspaper man who worked in advertising and decades later he still keeps the fine old traditions alive.

Administrator Caroline Foreman said: "He bought everybody the first drink the the bar. There were people wanting to buy him one back, but he was quite happy with his one glass of wine, bless him."

She estimated there were almost 20 gathered in the bar helping him mark his special birthday on Sunday, and next day the celebrations continued with a tea party in the afternoon, with Eric enjoying a homemade birthday cake, sandwiches, and some very cheerful companionship from guests including Maisie Finch and Ena Leech who described Eric as "a wonderful host."

"They do love a party here," said Caroline.

Eric won great admiration two years ago when he organised his own 100th birthday party, to which he invited friends and family from all over the world. He attended to every detail himself, designing invitations on his computer and sending them out to 100 guests, choosing food and wine, booking the venue, and deciding on what food and wine would be served on the day.

On Monday he spoke briefly about the story of his life: "I was born June 3 1905 in London. I worked on the Daily Mail from 1917-1940, then I became a farmer in Tangangikha. I had 1250 acres, most of it mountaineous being Africa, but 25 per cent of it was arable and we had a good yield from that, and the rest of it just grazing."

He moved to Peterhouse with wife Rebecca, known as 'Edie', in 1990. She died two years later.