The 100th birthday of a Goodmayes marathon runner was marked with a congratulatory telegram from the Queen.

Fauja Singh’s superfit lifestyle has led to some people raising doubts over his age in the past - but no longer.A camera crew from Sikh lifestyle channel Sangat TV filmed the moment he opened the letter on Friday.

His interpreter and friend Harmander Singh read it to him and he reacted by saying: “It’s nice of Her Majesty to remember me.”

Fauja, smartly dressed in a white suit, was then presented with gifts and a birthday cake.

Afterwards the keen runner, who has completed five London Marathons and others in New York and Toronto, made his way to the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in High Road, Seven Kings to celebrate with friends.

Harmander, who heads running group Sikhs in the City and trains Fauja, said: “I am very proud of Fauja and this couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”

On Saturday he travelled to Birmingham to visit a gurdwara and also conduct a series of live television interviews.

He was asked what the future held for him and he said: “That’s up to God. As long as I am in good health I will continue to promote good will among the people.”

Fauja moved to Goodmayes from India 15 years ago to live with his son.

His daily routine sees him get up at 5am and have a bath before spending time meditating and praying.

He keeps fit by walking up to eight miles a day visiting his son’s office in Chadwell Heath before making his way to the Singh Sabha Gurdwara.

Speaking during an interview with the Recorder in February he said: “My health is God’s gift to me.

“But God gave that gift to everyone and it depends on how it is managed.

“Some abuse it while other aren’t even aware of it.”

On Sunday Fauja entered the Newham Classic 10km run in aid of the Tessa Sanderson Foundation which helps young people have a healthier lifestyle through sport.