A WAR veteran has returned to the pub he was born in to mark his 90th birthday.

Cyril Owen Garrard was born in the White Horse pub in High Street, Maldon, in 1927.

Now 90 years on he has marked his milestone birthday by enjoying a tipple at the watering hole.

Cyril’s parents were landlords at the time of his birth, running the pub from 1925 to 1956.

He grew up in the town, and was first taught at All Saints Primary School.

In his final year, he was offered a scholarship to Maldon Grammar School.

During his time there, Cyril grew an interest in gymnastics, winning multiple prizes for the sport.

In 1943, he joined the Royal Navy, where he quickly became fascinated in aviation.

He began work there as an artificer apprentice, but later on was selected for pilot training.

He went on to serve in the Korean War alongside the Fleet Air Arm on HMS Unicorn and HMS Ark Royal which lasted from 1950 to 1953.

After leaving the Royal Navy, Cyril entered civil aviation as a flight engineer, first for British Overseas Airways Corporation, and then a series of smaller airlines.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Now retired, Cyril lives in Ruislip , West London, with his wife Sheila Howell, an actress (pictured above), who he married in 1958.

He retired from flying in his seventies, but still remains a keen member of his local aviation group.

On Tuesday, Cyril returned to his birthplace to celebrate his 90th birthday with 17 close family members, including his three children and four nieces and nephews.

His son, Peter Garrard, said: “My father holds very fond memories of growing up in the pub that was run by his parents for many years.

“Returning to a place that is this close to his heart was a very emotional moment for him, one that he will share with the family members closest to him.”

Cyril said: “I’ve had an absolutely fabulous day here, the staff have been absolutely wonderful and have done us very well. Growing up I always said I never wanted to live in Maldon, but now coming back every so often I realise how lucky I was.

“It’s grown in size, but the character hasn’t changed.”