One of Britain's oldest men is set to celebrate his 109th birthday in Cramlington.
Former firefighter Joe Dixon will mark his milestone birthday on Saturday, October 1, surrounded by serving firefighters from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service when they visit him at Scarborough Court care home. In the run-up to his party, care home staff have issued a touching appeal for people to send Joe a birthday card in the hope of presenting him with 109 cards on the day.
Joe was born in Walker in 1913 and went on to become a firefighter, serving Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for 50 years. After joining the service in 1937, Joe worked at the Pilgrim Street fire station in Newcastle where he lived in the married quarters with his wife Lydia.
