Germany’s presumably oldest man celebrates 114th birthday

Gustav Gerneth, the person believed to be the oldest man in Germany on Tuesday celebrated his 114th birthday.

Mayor Bernd Poloski visited Gerneth at his home in the north-eastern town of Havelberg, bringing him best wishes from politicians, a gift hamper with Gerneth’s favourite candy and flowers.

“He still likes to eat sweets,’’ Poloski said afterward.

As in previous years, Gerneth spent his birthday only with a small group of people. The celebration also featured a Frankfurter Kranz, a ring-shaped buttercream cake.

“He is still interested in things, especially in football,’’ Poloski said.

Gerneth is a trained machine operator and was born on October 15, 1905, in what is now the Polish city of Szczecin.