A RENOWNED artist and sculptor who was born as the First World War guns fell silent, has celebrated his own centenary.

Denis Curry marked his 100th birthday with a get-together at Narberth's Lee Davies Day Centre, where he attends once a week.

His life has been as varied and dramatic as the moment he was born.

After seeing active service in the Second World War with the Royal Engineers in North Africa and Monte Casino, Mr Curry went to the Slade School to pursue his passion for the arts.

There, he won several prizes for his drawing and sculptures, and developed his passion for flight.

Many of his sculptures depict birds in flight, but Mr Curry is also known for constructing 'The Human-Powered Wing' - a variable-geometry ornithopter, claimed to be the first such machine to initiate propulsion solely by means of the wing movements.

Such was the interest in this work of art that it featured in a 1975 broadcast on the BBC.

Mr Curry moved to Pembrokeshire in 1976, settling in Llanycefn.

He was joined at his birthday celebration by Pembrokeshire County Council chairman, Councillor Aden Brinn, who described him as "a remarkable man".

Added Councillor Brinn: "I can't believe he is 100 years old.

"He's proof of what can be achieved through leading an active life with an active mind.

"It was a pleasure to be in his company, and I wish him all the best for the future."

Said the day centre's senior carer, Amy Simes: "Denis is a real character with great stories to tell.

"He may not fly around the place like he used to, but he is remarkably healthy for a man of 100 years of age, and it was a pleasure to put on this event for him."

*To find out more about Denis Curry's human-powered wing, visit humanpoweredwing.co.uk