A CREDITON man, John Allen, who volunteers as a reader and storyteller at the town’s Hayward’s School with the Bible Society group, Open the Book, was surprised when the whole school sang Happy Birthday to him to mark his forthcoming 100th birthday (March 26).

Open the Book, which reads and performs inspirational and educational stories from the Bible had just read a story to the school assembly in the presence of all the pupils, staff and guests, including the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Jackie Searle and new Crediton Rector, the Rev Matthew Tregenza.

After the Bible story had been read and performed, John was presented with a birthday cake, complete with candles, gifts and many cards.

John was born at Perth in Scotland and saw active service in the Royal Navy from 1939 to 1946.

He lived in Bredon's Norton on the Tewksbury/Gloucester border and also in Sutton, Surrey, moving to Crediton with his wife of 68 years, 11 years ago to live near his daughter and son-in-law.

His wife sadly died shortly after they moved but John has enjoyed being a part of the Open the Book group which reads regularly at the school for the past few years.

John keeps fit and active, enjoys walking and said he was completely surprised to have the schoolchildren sing to him.

Rev Jenny Francis, a member of the retired clergy who serves in the Crediton Benefice, said that Open the Book had been run at Hayward’s School for many years and was part of a large international project involving reader volunteers going into 2,500 schools.

She said it was “wonderful” that the school entered into the spirit of things to mark John’s birthday.

Bishop Jackie gave a talk about her role to the schoolchildren during the assembly and also members of the school sang some of the songs they are due to perform in a forthcoming concert in Exeter.