A Spitfire engineer celebrated his 104th birthday with a birthday party with family this month.

Bob Dutch was joined by his niece and nephew as he celebrated the milestone birthday at Netley Court care home on December 14.

Born in 1920, Bob was an engineer at Vickers, where he worked for his whole life after starting as an apprentice aged 16.

He was part of the team that made Spitfires with folding wings so that they could be stored on boats and used to fight in Japan.

Bob’s role was to develop machine guns and engines for the planes.

READ MORE: Pensioner left in tears as festive postbox topper vandalised days before Christmas

He also cut the wings and installed hinges so that the wings could fold for storage purposes.

During his career at Vickers, he was also involved with an atomic energy project and worked on oil rigs in China and Russia – also meeting his wife who worked as a secretary in the buying office.

Bob celebrated his birthday by becoming an honorary member of the Netley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club.

The group’s members attended birthday celebrations for Bob and gave him a cushion with a spitfire on it and a certificate for his achievements as part of the Home Guard during World War II.

READ MORE: Coffee shop 'suffocated by scaffolding’ closes after 7 years

Bob revealed how he has stayed in such good health, saying: “In my view, the secret to a long life is living life in moderation.

“As long as I can move about and am fairly independent that’s all I need now.”

The 104-year-old also reflected on his best birthday memories and achievements from prior years, including ones where he was joined by his late wife.

“I think turning 100 was beautiful,” Bob said.

“My wife was 99 then and we were very happy together.

“My favourite memories are remembering my wife and our life together and also thinking about what an interesting work life I had which involved travelling the world.”