LOCAL HERO JACK RANSOM CELEBRATES HIS 103RD BIRTHDAY

I was honoured to be invited to join in the celebrations of the 103rd birthday of local Largs hero, Jack Ransom, at the weekend.

Jack is a celebrated and decorated London-born war veteran who has made his life in his beloved adopted Scotland.

During the Second World War, in 1942, Jack was held as a prisoner of war on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway, also known as the Burmese Railway of Death, where he survived the harshest of conditions of which Jack is now believed to be the last living survivor.

Jack celebrated his landmark birthday with his devoted wife, Maddie, and his wide circle of friends and family.

His wicked sense of humour and unfailing optimism belies his years and wisdom.

It was a real pleasure to celebrate with him when the plans for his 100th birthday were disrupted by Covid restrictions.

I wish Jack many happy returns.