A LARGS centenarian with a love for dancing credits 'a daily bowl of porridge and a frequent dram of whisky' as the secret to a long and healthy life.

Robert Smyth, who lives overlooking the sea in Largs, was born in 1921 and celebrated his 100th birthday on January 4.

The WW2 veteran has lived in the area all his life and moved to the seafront after retiring from a long career in administration at Colvilles and the British Steel Corporation in Glengarnock.

Robert served in the RAF during the Second World War, mainly in Sri Lanka and the Far East on Coastal Command, and has many tales to tell those who know him well.

He met his future wife Dorothy Dickens at a dance while stationed at the air force base in St Athan, South Wales.

Their love of dancing and music continued throughout their long and happy marriage until Dorothy passed away aged 90 several years ago.

They used to dance several times a week all over Ayrshire and Robert continued doing so until lockdown.

The sprightly pensioner's interests include playing the piano, going to the cinema, travelling and frequent driving trips around Europe, as well as visiting his family in Richmond upon Thames.

Robert attributes his long and healthy life to staying fit through dancing, a healthy diet, porridge every morning and a frequent wee dram of Chivas Regal.

He added: "The beautiful views he loves plus the constant supply of bracing fresh air in Largs are no disadvantage either."

His daughter Dorothy paid tribute to her dad, saying that even as a centenarian he remains independent and 'looks 20 years younger than he actually is'.

She added: “He’s been a great dad, indeed both my parents were always there for me, gave me sound Christian values and made me feel secure and loved.

“A stable, loving upbringing, whether rich or poor, is the solid foundation for a happy well-balanced life and my parents definitely provided that.

“Now, he remains fiercely independent, not wanting to give in to old age and retains a healthy appetite for good food and drink.

“Having said that, he believes in self-discipline, healthy eating, moderate exercise and everything in moderation.”

Morrisons in Largs set up a special post box for Robert, so that members of the public could send him cards for his special birthday.