VETERAN West Ham fan Bill Lush kicked off his 102nd birthday in style after receiving a letter from Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.

World War One was still raging when Bill was born on May 27, 2015.

He grew up in Barking and became a life-long West Ham fan.

Bill married wife Eileen in 1940 and the couple went on to have two children.

After serving in the Second World War her became a carpenter and furniture-maker.

Staff at Clacton's Corner House old people's home tipped off West Ham about Bill's big day.Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Signed - the letter from Slaven Bilic

Activity manager Tracy Josko contacted the club to ask if they could send him a card – and got more than they bargained for.

A thrilled Bill was over the moon when he received a West Ham medal, autographs and a letter written personally by manager Slaven Bilic.Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Football-mad - Bill's birthday cake

Tracy said: "It was the icing on the cake for such a special birthday and really added to a truly special day for a really special man."

Bill celebrated his birthday at the home with his family, residents, a football-shaped cake ... and a pint of lager.