A WAR veteran who took part in the D-Day Normandy landings and Dunkirk battles has celebrated his 90th birthday.

Arthur Coates, of Waterhouses, spent the day with his family who had organised an open house for relatives and friends to enjoy the celebrations.

During the day Arthur was inundated with visitors who brought him cards and presents.

He has two daughters, Gwenneth and Joyce, a son Reg, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was born at Great Bridgeford near Stafford as a twin but his brother, Jim, died 25 years ago.

On leaving school Arthur worked in the farming industry before he joined the forces when he was 20 at the start of the Second World War.

He said: "I was in the forces for almost six years and after the Normandy landings fought in Dunkirk.

"From Normandy we travelled along the coast for miles and miles to Hamburg liberating people along the way.

"They were so pleased to see us and kept rushing out from their homes to shake our hands."

Arthur met his wife Hilda in 1942. They got married after he returned from his active service in 1947. Sadly Hilda died two years ago.

In 1948 the couple moved to Ossams Hill in Grindon where they farmed until their retirement in 1983.

They then moved to a property in the centre of Grindon village until they settled in a bungalow at Waterhouses seven years ago.

Arthur's hobbies are attending whist drives all around the Moorlands and looking after his garden.

He said: "When I was younger I also loved clay pigeon shooting.

"Today my love is my garden and I can't wait for Spring."

During the day John Goldstraw representing Waterhouses Parish Council and Cecil Ferns of Waterhouses and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, visited Arthur and presented him with cards and present.

The family also staged a celebratory dinner for 68 people at the Royal Oak pub in nearby Mayfield.