Meet the WW2 veteran who just celebrated turning 100 by hitting the gym for 90 minutes

A World War II veteran will celebrate his 100th birthday tomorrow – with his daily trip to the gym.

Retired army major John Hamilton, who was evacuated from Dunkirk, works out every day for 90 minutes.

The great-grandad, who smashed a rowing world record five years ago, is in remarkable shape and believes his health is improving.

He arrives at his local gym at 8am every weekday morning and puts himself through a gruelling routine that would leave many men half his age gasping.

A typical session sees him push his limits with 20 minutes on an exercise bike, 15 on the treadmill and then 400 stomach crunches.

Incredibly he drinks a glass of wine every other night and only gave up smoking his pipe six months ago.

John, who had a knee replacement aged 93, still drives his VW Polo into town every day – after having his licence renewed this month.

This impressive routine means he doesn’t suffer from arthritis, his lungs and heart are in perfect working order and he only goes to the doctors twice a year for check ups.

Widower John, who lives by himself in the Wiltshire village of Sutton Veny, said: “I feel so fit and healthy like I could live on for another 10 years or more.

“I feel good but it’s confusing – I’m so full of life and almost waiting for something to go wrong.”

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The superfit OAP has three children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Elsa, his wife of 67 years, died of dementia in 2006 and he is the last of his contemporaries after best pal of 80 years Art died in 2013, aged 97.

John said: “I miss him daily. My big family helps to keep me going.”

A regular at Harridges Health and Fitness Studio in Warminster for 12 years, John was a keen sportsman and regularly played cricket, rugby, golf, cricket, rugby, tennis, squash and polo.

He entered a rowing competition five years ago and broke the world record for the 1,000m time trial in the 94 to 99 age bracket.

“In early attempts I recorded a time of five and a half minutes but started lifting heavier weights and brought it down to four minutes and 47 seconds,” said John, who served in the Army for 25 years after joining up in 1939.

He retired 34 years ago aged 64 but his pace of life didn’t slow and as well as going to the gym he enjoys long country walks.

John said: “The key to a long life is exercising and going to the gym – it makes you physically well but is mentally stimulating too. If I didn’t go I think my last days would be long gone by now.”