THE world's oldest Down's syndrome sufferer who was never expected to live beyond 12 has now celebrated his 77th birthday.

Doctors suspected Kenny Cridge was stillborn when he arrived in 1939 with his twin sister Dorothy.

6 Staff at the care home in Yeovil where Kenny has lived for five years said that he can 'brighten anyone's day with his smile' Credit: SWNS

6 Kenny Cridge, who is the oldest living Down's syndrome sufferer, is pictured here celebrating his 76th birthday with friends last year Credit: SWNS

6 When Kenny was younger he became very popular and well known in the local village for riding in a side-car on his dad's bike Credit: SWNS

6 Kenny's twin sister Dorothy arrived in the world moments before her brother to the surprise of doctors and his mother Credit: SWNS

Despite not being expected to make it into his teenage years, Kenny has defied the odds.

Last Wednesday he celebrated the incredible milestone at the Wisteria House care home in Tintinhull, Yeovil, Somerset.

Its manager Ann Nicholson, said: "Since his birthday last year, he has maintained general good health with no significant changes.

"He is happy and always has a smile for everyone - Kenny can brighten anyone's day with his smile and his laughter.

"He's very affectionate and loves having kisses and cuddles, he often says 'cuddle me'.

"Kenny is one in a million and we are so lucky to have him in our lives at Wisteria House."

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His mum Iris had no idea she was having twins and doctors had to frantically save Kenny when he showed signs of life, after appearing to have been stillborn.

Staff at the care home, where Kenny has lived for five years, said he still enjoys playing his harmonica, eating sweet treats and joking with fellow residents.

Niece Marie Shotton said: "Now people with Down's syndrome are treated equally and respected, but my nan said that back in the day it wasn't like that.

"She fought a lot of battles for him and really devoted her life to Kenny.

"His father Samuel, who adored him as his little boy, had a bike with a side car, and Kenny used to drive around in it to go to the local pubs.

"He's marvellous and people in the village where he grew up still ask about him."

6 Kenny Cridge was born in 1939 and doctors initially thought he was stillborn when he arrived Credit: SWNS

6 Staff at the Wisteria House care home where Kenny stays have described how he likes 'joking with fellow residents' and playing the harmonica Credit: SWNS

Kenny's twin sister Dorothy and mother Iris have both died.

The world's oldest man with Down's syndrome was Bert Holbrook from Minnesota in the United States, who was 83 when he died in 2012.

The oldest surviving woman with Down's syndrome is believed to be Dollie Grissom, 74, from Oklahoma, US.

In the 1940s the average life expectancy for people with the condition was just 12 years old.

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