FORMER Royal Navy man Frank Bates knows the secret of a long and happy life — it's a morning tot of rum with an unusual chaser — a tot of cod liver oil!

Frank will be celebrating his 100th birthday on Thursday, August 14.

Frank, a widower, lives in St Thomas after enjoying a lifetime at sea with the Royal Navy.

He joined up as a cadet and travelled the world on a variety of warships, including HMS Valhalla.

The Valhalla was sunk during the Second World War while escorting a convoy to Russia.

Frank was in the freezing water for several hours before he was picked up but 49 of his crewmates lost their lives.

He was subsequently awarded a Russian medal for his services.

It was one of a number of medals he received during his long and honourable service with the Royal Navy.

His daughter, Genette Heyde, said: “He always says he saw just about every place in the world except for Australia and New Zealand.

“He is still very fit and well for his age and he still has his tot of rum every morning, followed by a tot of cod liver oil. He swears by it.

“He's a very capable man who likes to think for himself and is always there with a joke.

“He accepts life and makes the most out of it, enjoying the trips we often go on.

“Most people can't believe he's almost 100 years old!”

Frank retired from the Royal Navy in his early 40s and took up a job as a painter and decorator at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Wonford.

As well as Genette, Frank has a son, Terry, and two grandchildren.