He worked until 94 and dedicated 63 years to swimming - happy 100th birthday to much-loved Harborough war hero, Charles 'Ted' Quarmby

A war hero who worked for an incredible 80 years is celebrating his 100th birthday on Saturday (September 12).

Much-loved Charles Quarmby, known to everyone as Ted, also dedicated 63 years to swimming in Leicestershire.

And he is still very well known and fondly remembered as the powerhouse former chairman of Market Harborough Swimming Club.

Ted will turn 100 at Oxendon House care home, where he now lives, in Great Oxendon.

He started swimming at 10 and did his apprenticeship as a litho plate maker at the now defunct Leicester Evening Mail in 1934 aged just 14.

And amazingly Ted went on to work until he was 94.

He signed up to join the Leicestershire Yeomanry in 1938 and served with outstanding courage in the Second World War – winning the much-cherished Military Medal.

Ted fought at the iconic and pivotal battle of El Alamein against the Afrika Korps in the North African desert in Egypt in October-November 1942.

He went on to take part in the bloody campaign to liberate Italy from Nazi Germany before being demobilised in 1946 as a bombardier sergeant.

After returning to Civvie Street, Ted, a dedicated swimmer, went on to become a swimming referee, timekeeper, starter and judge for Leicestershire Swimming Club.

He became known all over the county and even further afield for his tireless work before moving to Market Harborough in 1970 aged 50.

Ted immediately threw himself into the town’s thriving swimming club.

He became chairman in 1980 and took classes at Welland Park School to help pupils become timekeepers, starters, referees and judges.

Public-spirited Ted also helped disabled children with their swimming, officiated at national level with galas and was awarded the bronze medallion for lifesaving.

He also served on the Amateur Swimming Association Committee.

“Few have done so much for swimming over such a long time,” said Market Harborough Swimming Club.

“Ted, we salute you!”