Centenarian Gordon Short will be taking to the Devon bowling greens next week to commence a mammoth challenge to commemorate his 100th birthday which he celebrated earlier this year.

A member of South Molton BC, Gordon will play 100 ends of bowls over the next few weeks, challenging an official from 20 different Devon-based clubs to five ends each.

Gordon’s challenge will commence on Monday 19th July at Plymouth Hoe BC, where Sir Francis Drake was famously bowling when informed of the invasion of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

His challenge, which will be raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, will conclude at Great Torrington Bowling Club on 19th August, one of the oldest clubs in England following its formation in 1645 during the English Civil War.

Gordon said: “The family Business of J. Pickard & Co (Burrington) Ltd has been supporting people in the farming community, many of whom live and work on isolated farms in inaccessible areas over the beautiful Devon countryside. Having an Air Ambulance to reach these areas in times of emergency has over the years saved many lives and we are very grateful to the Devon Air Ambulance Service for the service they provide.”

He was President of his County Association in 1993, and won the County Triples Championship in the 1990s.

Gordon is one of just a handful of 100-year-old Burma Star Veterans, recognising his involvement in the Burma Campaign of World War II.

Sally Hilton, Head of Fundraising at the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, said: “We are very thankful to Gordon and the Short family for their wonderful support of the charity. It’s clear that Gordon has had a huge impact on community life in the area that he lives and so this fundraiser, that will see him visit many of the communities we serve, is very fitting and illustrates that we are ready to respond to those who are critically ill and injured across the county.”

Donations to Gordon’s challenge and the Devon Air Ambulance can be made at his JustGiving Fundraising Page.