ONE of Rayleigh’s most dedicated residents, who was even immortalised with a street named after him, will be celebrating his 100th birthday next month.

Ernie Lane, known by many as Mr Rayleigh, has led no ordinary life.

With a long list of achievements, he has played a prominent part in the town’s history since moving there in 1920.

Ernie has written two books about the history of the town and his name was even used as the name of a path in 2010, showing his importance to the town.

When asked for the secret to living a long and healthy life he paid tribute to Bet, 96, and said it was all down to “having a good wife.”

Ernie and Bet have been happily married for 71 years and have three children. Bet is proud of her husband’s accomplishments and said: “I am so pleased he’s turning 100.”

The couple said: “We have come through life being cheerful.”

Despite their age, the pair have remained living in their house and are proud to live by themselves and with the help of good friends they have gained over the years.

“These friends include Mike Davis, chairman of the Rayleigh Town Museum, who Ernie encouraged to open the museum back in 2016.

Mr Davis, 67, of Dean Gardens, Rayleigh said: “We opened the museum to build on Ernie’s knowledge.

“He has always had a great love for this town and an inquisitive nature.”

In his long life he has been awarded twice with the Citizen of the Year Award, once in 2009 from Rayleigh Urban District Council and a second time in 2016 by Rochford District Council.

These awards were well deserved for Ernie, who started giving back to the community by becoming a Scout Master and then in 1953, Ernie became a councillor. Seven years later he became Rayleigh District Council’s chairman.

He was prominent in getting a swimming pool built at Rayleigh Primary School. Ernie will be celebrating his birthday on May 2 by having a gathering with friends and family.