A RESIDENT received a papal blessing, a personal greeting from the Queen and a badge of honour from the Army on his 100th birthday.

Samuel Johnson, from Padgate, received the Queen's card and Pope Francis' blessing during a special mass of celebration at St Oswald's Catholic Church – where he has been a parishioner for many years – on his birthday last Friday, September 10.

Warrington Guardian:

The next day, he was decorated for his Second World War service during a party at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.

Mr Johnson grew up on Kerfoot Street and Lilford Avenue in Bewsey and attended Wycliffe Primary School before its closure in 1926, when he moved to Bewsey Infant and Junior School.

In 1937, he moved into the world of work with his first job as a general labourer at the Lancashire Street Company but was soon called up for national service and aged 18 was on the frontline of defence with the Royal Artillery’s 39th Regiment, 240 Battery H Troop.

His service included a spell at RAF Burtonwood, as well as postings in North Africa, Vienna and southern Italy.

Warrington Guardian:

Sam married wife Sybil in 1949 and moved to Wellfield Street in Sankey Bridges, with the couple welcoming three children – Lynda, Philip and Marie – into the world.

In 1953, he rescued a young boy from the Sankey Canal while cycling home from work and received an award in recognition of his bravery.

Warrington Guardian:

Retiring in 1983 after decades of service to Lancashire Steel, his family grew to eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Sam, who lost his wife in 2004 and Lynda in 2011, 'remains fiercely independent'.

Philip described his dad as a 'bright light, strong, dependable and generous to a fault'.

Marie added: "He’s always been a big support, all hands-on, but it’s just his advice that we treasure now.

"We are privileged to still have him around.

"He’s our rock."

So what is his secret to a long and happy life?

Sam said: "An indomitable attitude, take life as it happens and make it how you want it.”