A Portishead centenarian was one of the few people in the country to receive a special award for turning 100.

Martin McLoughlin, who was born in Derryhick, County Mayo, in 1922, died in December last year, aged nearly 102.

He lived in Portishead, and until the age of 100, he took no medication and walked half a mile daily.

Mr McLoughlin was awarded the Irish Centenarian Bounty, a national award given by the Irish president to people who have reached 100 years of age.

It includes a gift of €2,540 and a special message wishing the recipient a happy birthday and congratulating them on their longevity.

On their 101st birthday, and each one after, they receive a commemorative coin in a presentation box and a letter from the president.

Mr McLoughlin's family only learned of the bounty through the experience of neighbours and friends at St Bonaventure's Church in Bishopston.

The O'Leary family, including Hanoria, who died in 2010 aged 105 years, fought for the right of Irish-born citizens, resident outside Ireland, to receive the award.

It is believed there are many more people who qualify for the bounty but do not realise they have to apply for this award.