Oldest man marks 112th birthday

Mr Tanabe says being teetotal and keeping a daily routine keep him young

The world's oldest man, who is celebrating his 112th birthday in south-western Japan, has said he wants to live "indefinitely".

Tomoji Tanabe, who was born in 1895, says avoiding alcohol is the secret of his longevity.

He drinks milk, does not smoke, keeps a diary and reads the newspaper daily.

He was declared the oldest man in January by Guinness World Records after the death of Emiliano Mercado Del Toro, of Puerto Rico, at 115.

Mr Tanabe received 100,000 yen ($900, £440) and flowers from the local mayor in the town of Miyakonojo.

"I want to live indefinitely. I don't want to die," he said as he marked his birthday, Kyodo News agency reported.

Japan is said to have the largest population of centenarians in the world, with some 30,000 citizens aged 100 and over.