'I'm 106 years old - this sweet treat every day is the secret to my long life'
Great-great grandfather Leslie Lemon was born in 1919
106-year-old Leslie Lemon eats custard every single day
(Image: SWNS )
A Second World War veteran who has just celebrated his 106th birthday revealed the secret to his long life - eating custard every single day. Great-great grandfather Leslie Lemon favours Bird's but says he always has a tin of Ambrosia's ready made in the pantry for emergencies.
His preferred pudding is rhubarb with custard, but he doesn't turn down a good trifle either, enjoying his custard cold. Born July 1, 1919, Mr Lemon said: "The secret to a long life is custard. Rhubarb from the garden and custard."
Custard isn't just an occasional treat for him; it's a daily indulgence. He said: "I eat it every day. I prefer it cold. It's nice in a trifle. You can't beat it."
Even in moments when preparation time is scarce, he's prepared. "I usually have the powder but I've got a ready made Ambrosia in the pantry for emergencies," he continued. "You should always have a pudding."
Leslie celebrated his 106th birthday on July 1 this year
(Image: Lemon Family© SWNS )
Leslie, from from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, has now been retired for longer than he worked - having worked as an office boy for Inland Revenue, now HM Revenue & Customs until he was 60 in 1979.
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Throughout the Second World War he served as a corporal and he received the Légion d'honneur medal from the French government five years ago. But Mr Lemon said he remains youthful at heart despite his centenarian status.
"I don't feel older at all,' he said. Remarkably independent for his age, he said: "I've got no aches and pains. I don't take any tablets or medications. I never see a doctor."
With eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, the veteran also has a soft spot for Britain's favourite takeaway, considering fish and chips his second choice after desserts. However, Mr Lemon's he added: "Everything in moderation."
For his 100th birthday, Mr Lemon was gifted a special Bird's custard jug. He also received a card from Queen Elizabeth II.
Leslie received the Légion d'honneur medal from the French government five years ago
(Image: © SWNS )
Since then he has also been recognised by King Charles and Camilla for his 105th and 106th birthdays, with the cards displayed on his mantelpiece.
He noted the biggest change in his lifetime as video calls, admitting, "The thing that has changed the most is video calls. I can't work it myself. I'm a bit old fashioned."
Mr Lemon and his late wife Doreen were married in 1944 and shared their lives until her passing in 1999. Their family included three children, Michael, Mary, and Richard; although Mary passed away at 10 due to hepatitis from polluted seawater.
Leslie Lemon married Doreen in 1944
(Image: Lemon Family© SWNS )
Richard, now 73, reminisced about their childhood: "When we were growing up, we always had fresh fruit and veg - no one froze things in the 50s." He added that his father has always been an advocate for dessert, especially custard, which has been a staple for as long as he can remember.
Supermarket Asda has celebrated Mr Lemon's love for custard by awarding him a year's supply free of charge. An Asda representative commented: "We'll all be taking a leaf out of Mr Lemon's book and enjoying more custard going forward, we hope he enjoys a free year's supply on us."
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"When life gives you lemons add custard!". The Lemon family said: "He's absolutely delighted. He'll probably put it all under his bed."
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