A GREAT-GRANDFATHER who rose from a factory worker to a textile company director has been celebrating his 100th birthday.
Hubert Castle celebrated his century with friends and family at his home at Greenacres Care Home, Meltham, and at Woodsome Hall Golf Club where donations to the Salvation Army were taken in lieu of birthday gifts.
Born in the Leeds Road area of Huddersfield, on May 24, 1913, Mr Castle left school at 14 to work for Learoyd Brothers, Leeds Road, after his father died.
After a stint working at a mill in Bradford, Mr Castle moved back to Huddersfield to work at Brooke's, in Armitage Bridge.
He worked as a textile designer and moved up through management to become company director before his retirement at 64.
As a keen family man, Hubert had two children with his late wife Catherine, followed by five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A bridge aficionado and active member of Huddersfield Bridge Club for 50 years, Mr Castle is still president of the club and was president of the Yorkshire Bridge Association.
Mr Castle still enjoys a game and fellow players join him at Greenacres for a match.
Hubert's son-in-law, Peter Turner, said: "His health is still very good. He's still playing bridge.