AGE was no barrier to Hartley Eastwood, who celebrated his 107th birthday with a special party yesterday.

And the keen Claret, believed to be East Lancashire's oldest man, said Burnley FC’s win over bitter rivals Blackburn was ‘a great present’.

Hartley had a visit from the mayor of Burnley, Coun Frank Cant, on his special day, with a party held for him at the Dove Court Nursing Home, in Shuttleworth Street, Burnley.

Born in 1907 in North Street, Mr Eastwood lived on his own until 2008 before moving into the nursing home.

Hartley, one of the 10 oldest people in England, said: “I’ve had a really good day. It’s been very tiring.

“It’s a great present to see Burnley doing so well in the league. The win over Blackburn was brilliant. I still listen to all the games on the radio.”

Hartley, who worked at John Gray's weaving mill, Elm Street, before becoming a tackler at various Nelson mills, was a keen crown green bowler until he was 92.

Staff at the nursing home said he had a remarkable memory, and he still remembers Burnley winning the FA Cup in 1914.

“I remember my mum taking me into Burnley,” he said. “The players were on a double decker bus from the Barracks and were parading the cup. There were lots of people there, it was a great day.”

Hartley’s wife, Muriel, died in 1996, while he had a brother, Harry, who was killed in an accident in Peru, and he also had a sister Agnes.

He watched his first Burnley game in 1919 and four years ago was invited back to Turf Moor to celebrate his 103rd birthday.

He was presented with a shirt featuring the number 103 printed on the back, which he now keeps in his room at Dove Court.

Lisa Hughes, a senior care assistant at Dove Court, said: “Hartley is really good to have around. He has an amazing memory and is always keeping staff and residents entertained with stories.”