A GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER had three parties to celebrate his 100th birthday with family and friends.

Israel Leviton received a birthday letter from the Queen and Chief Rabbi of the UK, Lord Sacks and kicked-off his special day on Thursday, November 18 with a visit from pupils at Stone Grove Jewish Nursery School to his Edgware nursing home.

The youngsters came to the Jewish care home, Sydmar Lodge, in Hale Lane and sang Happy Birthday along with other songs.

In the afternoon Mr Leviton celebrated his first party with friends at the care home where he has lived since February 2008.

Born in Walthamstow in 1910, Mr Leviton was called to service during the Second World War and was given office work because of his skills in typing and shorthand.

His son, Mervyn Leviton, who came from Israel especially for the birthday party, said: “After the war my father came to live in Golders Green which he recalls being the up-and-coming area at the time – the Northern Line had just been extended on the London Underground and so more and more people were coming to live there.

“Once my father retired he moved to Stanmore where he lived until moving into the care home.”

After the singing Mr Leviton, who used to have his own fashion company, was whisked upstairs for his second party with family and friends.

Mr Leviton had three sons by his first wife Lily who died in 1956 and in 1960 married Ann, who had two sons of her own.

The late Mrs Leviton died nearly five years ago but Mr Leviton has a large family including 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, who visit him regularly at the home.

Mervyn, 72, who was headteacher at Rosh Pinah School in Edgware until he retired in 1996, said: “Anyone who lives to see his or her children’s grandchildren is a very fortunate person.

Mervyn added: “My father was one of six and he has one sister still alive –she’s 94-years-old going on 74 – it’s an amazing family.”

Alison Sitton, activity organiser at the care home, said: “Israel likes bingo and plays dominoes with his friend Harry most days, but he was really looking forward to his birthday.

“It’s been a fantastic day and it’s so nice to see everyone smiling.”

Mr Leviton, who had a third party at the weekend with family members, added: “Words can’t describe how I feel today.”