A PENSIONER will celebrate his 20th birthday today, despite being 80 years old.

Leap year birthday boy Reg Selway only celebrates his proper birthday every four years.

Reg, of Stratton St Margaret, says he usually celebrates his birthday on March 1, but today his family will be taking him out for dinner to mark the occasion.

But he says wherever he goes he won't get his favourite meal of tripe and onions, because restaurants don't appear to serve it anymore.

"The good thing about having your birthday on a leap year is that it tends to be a more special day when it does come around," says Reg.

The former RAF clerk secretary, who was based at Wroughton's Princess Alexandra Hospital, said: "I enjoy having my special date.

"It's something a bit different - a lot of people think I am lucky to have a birthday like I do.

"There aren't many 20-year-olds who can say their granddaughters are older than them.

"It gives us a reason to celebrate, so my whole family is here from Cornwall for the party.

"This year will be the best birthday of my life, because I am turning 80 and it is quite a landmark I suppose.

"I have a lot to be thankful for, a loving wife, my health and a family that cares.

"I have lived for a long time, it feels good.

"People are always asking me how old I really am and when I celebrate my actual birthday.

"I think it makes me a bit special, a bit different than everyone else."

Reg's wife Vera says she agrees that he is not like other people in many ways.

The 78-year-old said: "He is certainly a bit different.

"He just seems to be one of these people that takes everyday as it goes, he always has a smile on his face and never gets angry.

"He is very easy going very laid back.

"I suppose he is quite a special person."

The couple will be celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary this year and Reg says he is still very deeply in love with his wife.