East Sussex resident Henry Allingham - Britain's oldest man - celebrated his 111th birthday on board HMS Victory watching a military flypast.

Mr Allingham was aboard Lord Nelson's flagship moored at Portsmouth during the Royal Navy flypast.

The Second Sea Lord, Vice-Admiral Adrian Johns, and Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg were among dignitaries who shared a celebratory lunch with Mr Allingham in the ship's Great Cabin.

Ten of his relatives, including eight grandchildren and great grandchildren, flew to the UK from their homes across the United States to join the party.

A Royal Marines band serenaded Mr Allingham on board Victory before he returned with friends and relatives to the Queen's Hotel on Portsmouth seafront for afternoon tea.

Asked how it felt to be turning 111, Mr Allingham said: "I'm pleased to be seeing another tomorrow.

"It's just the same as it was as at any age, it's no different. I'm happy to be alive and I'm looking forward to the celebrations. I never imagined I'd get to 111."

Mr Allingham made his way to Portsmouth on Tuesday from his home at St Dunstan's care home for blind ex-service personnel in Ovingdean, near Brighton.

Close friend Dennis Goodwin, also founder of the First World War Veterans' Association, said: "It's remarkable that a man of his age can lead the life he lives. He takes part in many engagements throughout the year yet he remains strong. He's getting a bit slower now but people remark how his memory and vocal cords improve as a day's engagement goes on."

Mr Allingham is just one of three known UK survivors from the First World War, Mr Goodwin said.