Burnley pub unveils special Captain Tom tribute ahead of war veteran's milestone birthday

The 99-year-old Second World War veteran, who turns 100 on Thursday, has captured the heart of the nation after raising more than £29m. for the NHS by completing laps of his garden.

He completed the first 100 laps 14 days ahead of schedule, smashing his initial £1,000 fundraising target in just 24 hours. He has now extended his challenge to 200 laps.

Mark Davies, who owns the Angel Inn in Accrington Road, wanted to pay his own tribute to Capt. Tom's incredible achievement and so commissioned local artist Bill Bowden to create this magnificent piece of wall art.

"It is absolutely fantastic what Capt. Tom has done," said Mark. "He is an inspiration. To have raised that amount of money for the NHS is incredible. It's lifted the entire nation.

"It was incredible watching Bill paint it. He just did it from a picture on his phone. It only took him around four hours. He's done a few other for me around the pub over the years.

"A mate of mine in Bacup actually had a smaller one done and that's what gave me the idea. We thought 'what the heck' and went a little bigger."

Mark said he can't see pubs opening next month but was hopeful come mid-June the industry would be on its way back.

"It's tough at the minute, We've repainted and reupholstered the inside of the pub white it's been closed, so we have been keeping busy.

"Hopefully we'll be opening sooner rather than later. I'm hopeful it will be mid- June. I'd certainly take that right now.

"I've been getting non-stop messages from regulars. It's going to be some party when we do reopen."