Britain’s oldest identical twin brothers have celebrated their 100th birthdays together.
Bill and Jack Casey were born when King George V was on the throne and Stanley Baldwin was the UK’s Prime Minister.
And a whole century later, the pair were joined by family, friends and neighbours for a slap-up party.
The twins were born in Wandsworth, London, with Bill arriving about 10 minutes before his younger brother, as reported by What’s The Jam.
After working in the motor trade for several years and obtaining an engineering qualification, Bill joined the army in 1945.
Jack also joined up and both served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
They spent 15 months in Malaysia and Bill confessed that they “got up to lots of tricks” with their identical looks.
But then, Bill met his future wife, Joan, at a Butlins near Pwllheli in Wales in 1951.
They married in Cirencester in 1953 before welcoming their son, Martin, in 1955.
Bill and Joan settled in Sutton, Surrey, where Bill worked as a skills and training instructor for the government.
He became a qualified member of the Institute of Training Officers before retiring as a manager in 1984.
Jack, who now ives in a care home in Horsham, Surrey, met his wife, Ivy, at a dance, and they married in June 1959.
After leaving the army, he worked for various garages before spending most of his working life maintaining ambulances in London.
He also volunteered for 40 years as an officer in the Boys’ Brigade, only stepping down when he was in his 80s.
He now lives at Williams Place retirement complex in Didcot, Oxfordshire, where Jack and wider family gathered for the 100th birthday celebrations.
On reaching his milestone, Bill said: “I always intended to reach 100 and now it’s here, I’m looking forward to the next 100.
“I would advise having an interest in sport – particularly cricket.
“And keep yourself active.”
Bill has taken up painting in retirement and does 20 minutes of exercise every day.
He credits living at Williams Place with providing “a good balance between being independent and having support when needed”.
Estate Manager Nina Woodbridge said: “Bill is a such a warm and friendly member of our lovely community, having lived here for five years.
“He’s got a great sense of humour and loves having a laugh with the team and his neighbours.
“We’re so happy to share his special day with Bill and his brother.”
The oldest twin sisters in Britain are Elma and Thelma Barratt, of Kirkham, Lancs, who are 105.
