The 101-year-old founder of an education group for older people in Bournemouth has been sharing the secrets of long life.

Robin Segal, a war veteran from Westbourne, started the Bournemouth branch of the University of the Third Age (UTA) in 1987 along with his older brother Bertram.

The group, which is part of a worldwide network first set up in France in 1973, offers classes for those in part-time work or retirement in subjects ranging from theatre to history.

“I like going to the classes, but I’ve had to cut down how many I go to,” said Mr Segal. “Now I just go to the current affairs and music appreciation classes in Winton.”

He was born in Muswell Hill, London on April 15 1912 – the day the Titanic sank.

Robin, from a Jewish family, worked in the rag trade before serving as a gunner technician in World War Two.

He said: “I was called up in September 1940 and fought in France. I was also there on D-Day, because we came a couple of days later to help”.

Despite his age, Mr Segal still ensures he walks for at least 20 minutes a day and makes an effort to keep up with the news.

He said: “It’s important to know what’s going on in the world” but when asked about the secret of longevity, Mr Segal said: “The doctor always says I must be doing something but I say ‘No, it’s just me. I think it’s because I have the right temperament, I just get on with it.’”

To find out more information about Bournemouth U3A visit www.bournemouthu3a.org.uk or call 01202 420700.