An RAF veteran, who served during the Second World War, celebrated his 95th birthday in style by holding his own “living wake”.
Senghenydd resident Penri Evans was joined by around 60 family and friends for the party at the community centre where he has been a committee member for the last 33 years.
Known for his individual sense humour, Mr Evans organised the party himself and in typical style dubbed it his “living wake” on the invites he sent out.
The “wake” was held on Saturday, March 5, at Senghenydd Community Centre – a place very close to Mr Evan’s heart.
He said: “This place means everything to me – I think about it all day.
“If I won the lottery this place would be the best in the world. The people working here are doing it for nothing, they’re absolutely brilliant.”
In July 2014, Mr Evans, who was a gunner in the RAF between 1941 and 1946, met HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall when they visited the village’s Welsh National Mining Memorial.
Recalling the visit he joked: “It was wonderful. I did invite Camilla to my 100th, but I’m not sure she’ll come.”
Mr Evans can often be found in Cavanna’s on Commercial Street, where he greets customers with his cheery disposition.
Shopkeeper Cristina Cavanna said: “Penri has always supported the community – Senghenydd is his life, and always has been.
“He is always joking and the invite he sent out for his “living wake” was typical of him.”