Bookworm Alick's 100th is a great story

Avid reader Alick Howitt has no plans to give up his regular trips to Attleborough library even though it is his 100th birthday tomorrow. The sprightly pensioner likes to borrow audio books which he enjoys listening to when he finds time in his busy schedule.

Avid reader Alick Howitt has no plans to give up his regular trips to Attleborough library even though it is his 100th birthday tomorrow.

The sprightly pensioner likes to borrow audio books which he enjoys listening to when he finds time in his busy schedule. And yesterday the library staff joined in celebrating his century, presenting him with a balloon and card and singing 'Happy Birthday' when he arrived by taxi at 10am for his weekly visit.

“I enjoy reading all kinds of books - autobiographies, mysteries, travel, all sorts. I get through one a week on average and at the moment I've got A Plague of Angels by PF Chisholm,” he said.

A widower, Mr Howitt has been a library member since he was a young man growing up in London. The former travelling drapery salesman has been a regular at Attleborough since moving to Norfolk 24 years ago, and puts the secret of his long life down to keeping busy and planning ahead.

“There's always something to do, there aren't enough hours in the day. I'm never bored. Being on your own, you have all those household duties to do, you can't just sit down” he said, adding that the library staff were “very good and attentive” and helped him make his choice.

“They know what I've had and pick out things they think I'll enjoy,” he explained.

Myra Browne, Attleborough Library manager, said: “It's wonderful that Mr Howitt is still enjoying books and that, even though he's no longer able to see very well, our collection of audio books continues to provide him with a wide range of listening.

“Some older library members are reluctant to embrace newer technology, but Mr Howitt is happy to borrow audio books on CDs as well as tape.”