CUSTOMERS do not come much more loyal than Walter Skinner, who marked his 100th birthday by popping to his local shop.

Mr Skinner, who lives in St John’s, Worcester, has been shopping at the Co-operative food store in the Bull Ring every Thursday for the past 20 years.

Yesterday staff said thank you by throwing him a surprise party.

Store manager Ron Taylor said: “Walter has been coming into the store at the same time every week for 20 years, so the least we could do was mark this very special birthday with a cake and a £100 voucher from his friends at the Co-op”

Customer service assistant Sue Sykes, who helps Mr Skinner with his groceries, said: “Walter is a delightful man and very fit and able for his years.

“I talk to him every week and when I got to know his special birthday was approaching decided we couldn’t let it pass without making a fuss of him.”

His birthday is on Friday.