Rugby WW2 veteran and St Andrew's RFC player turns 100 - and his family can't wait to see him

A Rugby Second World War veteran turns 100 tomorrow, June 30, and his son Andrew has written to the Advertiser to share some of Ray's memories.

Ray Gray was born and grew up in Rugby before signing up for the Warwickshire Regiment in the Second World War.

He was posted to India but suffered multiple burns while demonstrating how to use a flamethrower - and he still bears the scars today.

After the war Ray met and married Madeline, and they went on to have two children, Richard and Andrew. Richard died in 2007.

Ray played for Rugby St Andrew's RFC and is to this day an honorary member - although sadly he is not able to to attend any functions.

Madeline died in December 2015, and until September last year Ray lived alone until he became ill.

He is now a resident at St Mary's Nursing Home on Montilo Lane, where he enjoys the care and attention of the staff.

Ray's son Andy said: "It is from there we are going to celebrate his 100th birthday, in the grounds, social distancing of course with family and friends.

"Ray has a lovely family, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one on the way.

"This has understandably been a sad time not being able to see dad and we are sure it is going to be very emotional when we see him, but this has been his dream to reach his 100th birthday."