A former RAF man and founder of a self-help organisation is celebrating his 95 birthday today.

Maurice Soffa has turned 95-years-old today (Feb 17) and lives in Kenton with wife Muriel, also 95, and just five weeks older than Maurice.

The pair have two daughters, Helen and Judith, one nephew, one great nephew and one great niece.

Born in Cardiff in 1922, Maurice's mother died when he was young and his father found it hard to find employment.

He moved to the Jewish orphanage in Northwood when he was just 14-years-old and his older brother stayed in Cardiff to study.

Despite moving to London, he was offered a job as a copy holder at the Western Mail and South Wales Echo newspaper, and so he moved back to Cardiff.

He enjoyed working at the paper for 2 years until moving back to London to work with his uncle.

Mr Soffa added: "I was shocked to be turning 95, I thought I was 85.

I was too young to be called up when war broke in 1945, but I pleaded with my uncle to let me join the RAF, and so I did.

"The war was hard, and after I was fortunate to be sent to Swansea as there was a large RAF base there.

"I met an old friend shortly afterwards and together we set up a business making leather goods, and we had a small workshop in London.

"I then met my wife Muriel at a dance organised in a synagogue, I don't know what she saw in me, and I had no money to my name.

"I am Jewish and have lived in London a very long time, but I tell people I was born and raised in Wales. I do miss Cardiff, and the people are so friendly."

The pair then had their first child, Helen, and moved to London.

They have lived in Harrow since 1967, and after retiring at 60-years-old, Maurice, together with a small group of people, founded the U3A.

The University of the Third Age, is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.

Maurice spent a lot of time talking to pre-retirement groups and sharing his experience and knowledge with them, as well as joining the local rotary club.

Family and friends will celebrate Maurice's birthday at their favourite restaurant in Harrow.