HE HAS to share the title of UK’s oldest man with another 109-year-old, but Alfred Smith now has one gong all to himself.

The Perthshire centenarian has been presented with a lifetime of service award from the Church of Scotland.

Moderator Rt Rev Russell Barr visited the former farmer at home in the Carse of Gowrie, saying: “Of all the many people I have met during my year as Moderator, Alfred Smith is one of the most remarkable.

“At 109 years old he retains a lively sense of humour, a continuing interest in life, including the life of the church, and he is a great story-teller.

“It was a privilege to meet him and some of his family and to offer him my warmest congratulations.”

Smith, who was born in Invergowrie in 1908, has been a member of the Kirk since 1945 and has served as an Elder since 1967.

He shares his date of birth and “oldest man” status with Robert Weighton of Alton in Hampshire, with whom he trades cards on their shared birthday every March 29.

Educated at Harris Academy in Dundee, he emigrated to Canada with four of his five brothers in 1927, but came back five years later and became a lorry driver. Serving in the Home Guard during the Second World War, he married wife Isobel at the age of 29 and the pair had two children, Irene and Allan.

Mrs Smith passed away 14 years ago at the age of 97, while Allan, who worked with his father on their farm for 40 years, died last year.

A member of St Madoes and Kinfauns Parish Church, he said: “It is just wonderful to have a visit from the Moderator.

“How he finds time to see me is quite something. I have always loved the Church as it has given me so much over the years.”

On the secret to his longevity, Smith said: “Porridge is helpful, and having a job you enjoy. I like to think I’ve lived a decent life.

“I do ask myself, ‘Why me? Why have I lived so long when others haven’t?’”