Jamaica-born Sidney Grant, who has been described as “absolutely brilliant” by those who know or come in contact with him, celebrated his 100th birthday with at a pub party in Normanton, Derby in the United Kingdom on Friday, December 30.

Affectionately known to family and friends as ‘Granty’ the Derby Telegraph reported that Grant is believed to be the city’s oldest Jamaican.

On Friday, the pub was decorated in bunting and balloons in the Jamaican colours. People reportedly poured in to wish Grant a happy birthday or give him a present.

“Everyone he meets likes him; I’ve not heard a single person say a bad thing about him,” said Sam Riley, one of Grant’s friends. I’ve known him since I moved here from Leeds and I’ll try and take him out for a little bit on the weekends… This is the first 100th birthday I have celebrated, we’re probably expecting about 60 to 70 people to turn up,” Riley added.

Continuing, Riley said: “He has seen so much and is so kind and loving… he’s a real pillar of our community”

Originally, from Jamaica, Grant also received his telegram from the King and the Queen Consort to mark the occasion, and which he brought to the pub to show people.

Even the bar staff were involved in putting the celebrations together and making the day perfect. Danielle Dharam, 32, who was working behind the bar said: “I’ve only been working here since August and this is the first time I’m meeting Mr Grant, but my parents know him, and we’ve helped to put the party together. It’s really been a team effort to make it all work.”