Britain’s 16th oldest man, 107-year-old Frank Chester, revealed what his secret to his long life is.

He explained that he believes it is down to his faith and always putting his trousers on while seated, making sure that he does not fall over.

Mr Chester, a resident of Sanctuary Care’s Hastings Residential Care Home in Malvern, celebrated his recent milestone birthday at his place of residence.

The once Londoner who worked for HM Customs and Excise before being called up to serve his country during World War II, and Mr Chester, trained as a Royal Naval Officer during his deployment.

He was later promoted to First Lieutenant Officer when he was aboard HMS Honeysuckle.

Mr Chester says he signed up for the Navy hoping to be placed on "a cruiser in a warmer climate."

Instead, he found himself on what he describes as a "rusty, old ship that needed painting in Liverpool."

Despite that, Mr Chester's naval journey took him around the world, while also positioning him in harrowing war scenarios.

He led a notable mission during World War II when his vessel was bombed by German aircraft while escorting surfaced submarines off the Norwegian coast.

Mr Chester said: "When we saw the German aircraft, we knew it was coming for us.

"I knew they were going to bomb us.

"I could hear a knocking sound but quickly realised it was my knees knocking together!"

Post his service, Mr Chester moved to Walsall where he met his wife-to-be, actress Lily.

Reflecting on his life, the great-grandfather said, "Six weeks later we decided we were going to spend the rest of our lives together – Lily was the best thing that happened to me."

Speaking about his 107th birthday, Mr Chester said: "The Lord has been very kind to me every day – I say my prayers every morning and thank him that he has given me another day."

The centenarian emphasised that his faith coupled with sitting down while getting dressed are paramount to his longevity.

Shelly Ford, the home manager at Hastings residential care home, said: "Frank is a fantastic gentleman, who has lived an incredibly inspiring life.

"He has so many great stories to share.

"We were thrilled to celebrate his milestone birthday with him."