Oldest man Donald is One Show star at 110

The revels honouring the old soldier – recorded in advance – were attended by Mayor Councillor Kate Fennelly. A surprise guest also turned up at Ilkeston’s Canal Vue Care Home. . . funny man Al Murray.

The comic – famed for his alter ego as The Pub Landlord – is a history enthusiast. He was filmed meeting ex-Desert Rat Donald at what was billed as a “VE Day Afternoon Tea Concert”.

Singing duo the Swingtime Sweethearts – alias Annie Riley and Le-arna Castle – serenaded the old soldier with wartime hits.

VE Day – Victory in Europe – is on Thursday 8 May. Four days of national celebrations in the run-up to it will begin on Monday 5 May, which is a bank holiday. Street parties are poised to be held across Erewash.

A veterans charity called The Not Forgotten helped to organise the party for hero Donald – who survived a bullet to the leg during the D-Day Landings.

One of its officials described him as “incredible”. The charity thanked the mayor for attending the bash as it posted online: “Donald loved the music, enjoying some of his old favourites and joining in with the flag waving and cake.

A retired colonel from his old regiment made an emotional presentation of a new beret with a replacement cap badge as Donald's original has been lost. Donald even made it to his feet to salute.

“The other care home residents had a wonderful time too, enjoying some music to lift their spirits and bring back happy memories.” 

The post added: “Look out for Donald on the One Show in early May!"               

Pictured: Erewash’s mayor Cllr Kate Fennelly at VE Day party for UK’s oldest man Donald Rose – where funny man Al Murray sat next to the 110-year-old war veteran

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