A DUNKIRK veteran who still trains five days a week in the gym will turn 100 on Saturday (April 28).

John Hamilton from Sutton Veny was congratulated on his 100th birthday by the staff at Harridges Health and Fitness Studio in Warminster this morning (April 27).

Here he has spent every weekday morning training for the last 12 years, and although at his age Mr Hamilton would be forgiven for taking things steady in the gym, that’s far from the case. Instead, he packs as much as possible into his 90 minute daily sessions.

Owner Julie Harridge presented Mr Hamilton with a card made by staff as well as a cake and a £100 cheque which was gathered in a collection.

Mrs Harridge said: "John is such an inspiration to everyone here.

"He does 400 sit ups every day, as well as using the treadmill, bikes, rowing machines and weights.

"There are 40 or 50 year olds who cant train like John does and they are half his age.

"He really does inspire people to come to the gym and not give up, if John can do it at 100 there is no excuse for anyone else.

"We have people who are 60 who are apprehensive about joining, but I tell them about John and they sign up.

"It just shows how important exercise is for elderly people to keep fit and well."

Mr Hamilton, who still lives independently at home said: "It is lovely that the staff here have celebrated my birthday.

"It is very generous of them to hold a collection for me.

"I love coming to Harridges as it is just so friendly. Their friendliness attracts me like a magnet.

"I have made several friends who are also regulars in the last 12 years, it's not just about exercising, it's also very social.

"I don't intend to stop coming to the gym anytime soon."

In 2013 Mr Hamilton even made the record books by rowing 1,000 metres in under five minutes on an indoor rowing machine.

Mr Hamilton's son, Peter Hamilton said: "There is being 100 and there is being 100, inst there.

"You can either let life pass you by at that age or you can live life to the full like my dad.

"He really does inspire other people to go the gym, especially other elderly people."

Mr Hamilton, his two children, eight grand children and 10 grand children will be celebrating the big day on Saturday (April 28) with a party and buffet lunch at Sutton Veny House.