HAVING a birthday every four years, a sketch artist who was born in 1924 has celebrated his 21st birthday with style.

Born on February 29, Bill Taylor, who lives in sheltered accommodation on Meadow Close, Newton, has never had to lie about his age, as his leap year birthday has meant that the day comes around once in every four years.

Bearing no grudges against his unusual birth date, Bill said that there would be no special party to mark the occasion - just a usual quiet day.

Not satisfied about letting the day pass without mention, workers and friends from the weekly Age Concern lunch club at Newton Community Centre, Park Road South, decided to surprise the soon to be 84-year-old with a birthday buffet.

Replacing the lunch club's usual three-course dinner, the meal, which was attended by more than 20 people, saw OAPs indulging in cake and party food.

Having earned his living as a commercial artist, Bill, who was born in Chicago after his parents - who were ironically from Newton and Warrington - met there.

Studying at an arts college for four years, talented Mr Taylor worked throughout America, including New York and Pittsburgh.

Making 14 trips to America during his life, the sketch artist decided to leave the States for the final time in 1965.

He said: "America is just the same as here. I just don't like the weather in this place," he said.

Having also worked as a store keeper on the American air base at Burtonwood, Bill, who has been an active member of Newton Community Centre for 19 years, has enjoyed sketching pictures for the children at the centre.

He said: "I like the companionship and the company at the centre," he said.