Daniel Morgorosi celebrated his 100th birthday with a touch of luck, a letter from the Queen and a new widescreen to watch his favourite football.

He also got a birthday cake from his EastEnd Homes housing staff who called in at his flat on the Isle of Dogs.

“The secret of long life I think is good luck,” he says. “But it’s also staying active, interested in life and history and eating lots of vegetables.”

Daniel was born in the former Union of South Africa in 1918 and came to London in 1965 in his 40s at the height of apartheid. He settled first in Bethnal Green, then moved to Christchurch Estate in Cubitt Town in 1975.

“South Africa was a very different place when I left, compared to now,” he recalls.

Daniel has taught himself French since retiring to keep his brain active. He also walks everywhere and does his own shopping.

One of his birthday gifts from staff at EastEnd Homes, his landlords, was a TV so he can watch his favourite Arsenal on a wide screen.