A MAN who has devoted his whole life to the community of Prestwich was honoured with a special party for his 90th birthday.

Friends at Prestwich and Whitefield Probus Club threw a surprise celebration for Cliff Berry before he jetted off to America to spend time with his daughter, Anne, and her family.

Despite his advancing years, Mr Berry ensures he makes the nine-hour flight to Florida every year to catch up with his three grandchildren and new great grandson, Evan.

It is a journey he has made for the past three decades since Anne emigrated, and he was accompanied by his wife Ella until she passed away 10 years ago.

One of the founder members of the Probus Club, Mr Berry has been programme secretary, president and is now an honorary member.

Born at the beginning of the First World War, Mr Berry served in the Second World War and was in the Normandy landings as part of the 12th Battalion of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

His local career saw him join the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) in Manchester and he went on to become president of the board of directors of Prestwich Co-operative Society.

Mr Berry was also a founder member of the Prestwich Citizen Advice Bureau's management committee in 1972, serving for 23 years and becoming chairman for 15 years.

He has also served on the Bury Hospice committee, written a history of Our Lady of Grace Church, where he has been an apparitor for 50 years, and won the Mayor's Award for Community Service in 2000.

Mr Berry, of Glebelands Road, is also a keen sportsman, having played for the first XI teams of Prestwich, Unsworth and Radcliffe cricket clubs and his cricketing interest was reflected in his birthday cake made by Slattery's and presented to him at the Probus Club meeting at Whitefield Methodist Church.

Good friend and Probus Club member Bernard Howcroft said: "Cliff is truly one of the best people I know and respect for his commitment and dedication to whatever he takes on. What a life he has had and what a record of working for others."

Mr Berry said: "I was very surprised they threw a party for me. It was a beautiful cake and I am working my way through it! I was born in Prestwich and have lived there all my life but I look forward to my trip to America each year. I seem to cope alright with the nine-hour flight and I think I have got used to it."

Mr Berry will enjoy a family party in America for his birthday on Wednesday.