A retired bus driver and serviceman received a very musical present and hundreds of cards to mark his milestone birthday.

Military-style pipes and drums were played at the Prince of Wales residential care home in Ipswich to mark John Baxter's 100th birthday.

Suffolk Glenmoriston, a military-style pipe and drums band came to the grounds of the care home on Saturday.

The volunteer band based in Bury St Edmunds played all of Mr Baxter's favourite songs on the pipes and also Happy Birthday. 

"It was the first time I have ever heard anyone play ‘Happy Birthday’ on the bagpipes," the 100-year-old said.

Ipswich Star: The Suffolk Glenmoriston played his favourite songs on the bagpipesThe Suffolk Glenmoriston played his favourite songs on the bagpipes (Image: Prince of Wales care home)

Mr Baxter was born on April 16 1924 in Musselburgh, Scotland, but was stationed in Ipswich during the Second World War, where at the age of 18 he drove a tank through minefields. 

During this time he met his wife, and after the war ended he moved to Edinburgh where Mr Baxter drove coaches.

In 1947 the couple decided to get married at St Michael's Church in Woolverstone, after which they moved to Ipswich.  

The father-of-three said: "We went on to have two sons, Raymond and Robert and a daughter called Sandra. I am a grandad, a great grandad, and a great great grandad.

"I enjoy every moment of it."

Ipswich Star: Mr Baxter was stationed at Ipswich during the warMr Baxter was stationed at Ipswich during the war (Image: Prince of Wales Care Home)

On his birthday he was joined by members of his family and the deputy mayor of Ipswich Councillor Elango K Elavalakan. 

It was just the start of the celebrations with more friends gathering on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the Prince of Wales care home added: "He is an absolute pleasure who we are honoured to provide support to, a true gentleman who is always happy to have a lovely conversation."

Ipswich Star: Ipswich's Deputy Mayor also met Mr Baxter on his birthdayIpswich's Deputy Mayor also met Mr Baxter on his birthday (Image: Lyndsey May)

After the band finished playing Mr Baxter was taken to Venue 16 in north Ipswich for his big birthday bash, where 66 of his friends from all across the UK came to join him in the celebrations. 

The staff at his care home even posted his celebration on social media calling out for 100 cards for his special birthday - he ended up receiving 250.

Mr Baxter added: "I am so thankful for everyone, and I am so proud of my family."