AN EXTRAORDINARY milestone was celebrated in June as a Gobowen man reached the remarkable age of 104 - and celebrated with a canal boat cruise.

Fondly known by many in the local community, Colin Cole holds a special place in the hearts of the older generation, having been their teacher or even their parents' educator in various schools across the area.

His dedication extended to caring for special needs children, a pioneering endeavour half a century ago.

Mike Souttar and his best friend, Janette Nowak, met Colin after they both joined the British Legion to participate in the annual Poppy Appeal.

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As a unique birthday surprise this year, Jan suggested treating Colin and a small group of his friends to a canal boat cruise.

Mike said: “After searching for the best way to do this we discovered the Lyneal Trust, a charity based near Ellesmere that specialises in day boat trips for disabled and elderly people.

“It would be hard to imagine a more helpful, kind, and professional team of people.

“Colin was 'gobsmacked' when he discovered what Jan and I had suggested would be a spot of lunch was in fact a five-hour boat trip – with non-stop picnicking to boot.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Colin and Janette at the birthday partyColin and Janette at the birthday party (Image: Janette Nowak)

Ten friends joined Colin and the crew from Lyneal Trust in the adventure.

Despite his humility, Colin's wartime contributions were nothing short of extraordinary.

He served in the RAF air-sea rescue unit, bravely rescuing aircrew who had bailed out into the treacherous waters of the English Channel or North Sea.

His courage was demonstrated time and again as he rescued stranded individuals from German minefields off the coasts of Holland and France—an immensely perilous undertaking.

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Mike added: “I would also like to praise Morrisons in Oswestry for really coming up with the goods in their supplying of all our picnic needs.

“They made two lovely chocolate sponges with cream and strawberries, a superb display of sandwiches and freshly made doughnuts, all of which were ready for us to collect at 7:30 on the morning of the trip, a service which saved Jan and I a great deal of stress the day before which would have spoiled our enjoyment of the trip.”

As they reflect on the extraordinary celebration of Colin's 104th birthday, the duo are finding themselves contemplating the challenge of surpassing such a memorable experience for his 105th.