Man celebrates 101st birthday after being told he wouldn't live past the age of seven

The doctors feared he would not make it into adulthood.

But Albert Pickering, who weighed as little as a bag of sugar when he was born, has just turned 101, as reported by Mirror.

Albert, known as "Pick" to his friends, has remained very healthy over the years. In fact, he can still gets on a bus to do his shop at the supermarket.

The centenarian drinks cider vinegar, honey, and water every morning for his proper digestion.

According to Mirror, Albert's secret to a long and happy life is to "have willpower".

The retired headteacher still smokes a pipe, which is amazing.

Albert has two sons and a daughter. He celebrated his 101st birthday by going out for a meal with his family.

Known as "Dadda" to all his family, Albert has six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Albert, originally from Derbyshire, was born in March 1917 when his mother went into early labor.

During that time, the Zeppelins were bombing at the end of WWI.

"We don't actually know how premature Dadda was. He always told us he was an 'early bird.' They said he was so tiny that he could fit in a pint pot," said Holly Pickering, Albert's granddaughter.

The 32-year-old added that Albert's mother was told to keep her son wrapped up and warm and that she's done a good job if she gets him to seven years old.

Despite being born as premature, Albert suffered no ill consequences. His early arrival even gave him the strong desire to live life to the full.

"We are part of a big family. We all take heed of Dadda's message to have will and determination. He has always been very positive and told us wonderful stories," Holly said.

During the Second World War, Albert put his degree on hold to teach PE to RAF officers.

In 1940, he tied the knot with a woman named Beatrice. The couple celebrated their golden anniversary before she passed away.

Six years later, he began teaching in Swadlincote, Derbys and then he moved to Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Albert became the primary school headteacher at The Park School Federation, on Orchard Close, Shirebrook, Derbys.

In 1982, he retired from the 22-year role, according to Mirror.