Reagan celebrates 92nd birthday

Ronald Reagan, who has been in seclusion since disclosing in 1994 that he had Alzheimer’s disease, celebrated his 92nd birthday yesterday at his California home with wife Nancy.

Joanne Drake, the former president’s chief-of-staff, said it was a quiet affair in the Bel-Air house and chocolates - Reagan’s favourite snack - played a part in his day.

"He’s comfortable and doing as well as anyone could expect for a man of 92," Drake said. "He’s going to be around a long, long time."

At the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, 50 miles away, visitors celebrated America’s longest-living former president by signing a giant card. Jelly beans, a Reagan staple, were also handed out.