A Chorleywood man who has dedicated more than half a century to public service in Watford and Three Rivers has celebrated his 100th birthday.

George Porter who served for both Rickmansworth and Three Rivers councils and as a volunteer policeman in the special constabulary, turned 100-years-old yesterday.

One of six children, Mr Porter was brought up in a Dr Barnardo's home and began his working life in 1926 in Wollescote, Dudley, as a solicitor's clerk.

He moved into local government service as first committee clerk to Hartlepool in 1936, before moving on to Malden in Surrey, and then Rickmansworth in 1938, at 27-years-old.

Speaking to the Watford Observer in 1976, he said: “I moved into the house of a Mrs Arnold in Talbot Road, a dear old lady, and was given a candle to take up to my room as there was no electricity or gas.”

Mr Porter then lived in a room above the Moneyhill Wine shop until 1940 when he married his wife Betty, and moved into her parents' house in New Road, Croxley Green.

He spent five years in the Royal Navy during World War Two, as a paymaster's lieutenant, taking charge of a number of escort carriers employed against German U-Boats.

During that time he sailed around the world, before returning to Rickmansworth in 1946 to become chief clerk to Rickmansworth Council.

There he handled legal services and district, council and parliamentary elections.

In 1951 he started a 25-year-career in the Special Constabulary, on top of his day job, first as an inspector in Rickmansworth and then a chief inspector in Watford.

Speaking to the Watford Observer in 2006, he said: “I wanted to be of service to the community really, I suppose it was part of me wanting to be a good citizen. It's a love of people and a desire to serve them.

“I used to enjoy patrolling the streets, and of course, I loved the football matches. We used to parade in and outside the ground at Watford FC.”

“We used to frequently watch the football from this little hut in the corner of the ground. Sometimes we would have a walk around the ground to check that it was in order. We would always keep an eye on the away fans, as they tended to be a bit noisier.”

Mr Porter became chief administrative officer to Three Rivers Council in 1973, and retired three years later. His leaving party was attended by more than 100 people.

He added: “My work has taken me all over the country but I always have a special bond with this area.”

A keen gardener and outdoor enthusiast, Mr Porter has walked the length of the Pennine Way from north to south and back again.

He celebrated his birthday with his two children, Rosemary and Philip, two grandchildren and five grandchildren, in Burford House, Rickmansworth Road, Chorleywood.

Disclosing the secret of his long life, he added: “If you're happy you're healthy, and if you're healthy you're happy.”