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Sir David Attenborough has admitted he hoped to have a "quiet" day as good wishes from across the globe flooded in for his 100th birthday on Friday. Royals, celebrities, politicians and environmental campaigners are among those set to mark the broadcast giant's special occasion.

In a video message shared on Thursday evening through the BBC, Sir David said: "I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. I've been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from pre-school groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages. I simply can't reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages and wish those of you who have planned your own local events have a very happy day."

The audio of his famous voice played out over an image of the naturalist with a harvest mouse, which are at risk of extinction in the near future.

His message came as the natural history presenter was pictured receiving a pink parcel at his London home this week, which said "Delivery for: Someone very special".

Sir David will spend his birthday with close family and then attend a live event staged in his honour at the Royal Albert Hall, to be shown on BBC1.

Meanwhile, nearly 300 miles away, sculptor Jamie Wardley has created a sand portrait of the naturalist on Morecambe beach.

An aerial view of the shore shows the giant image of Sir David above a quote of his, which reads: "We often talk about saving the planet, but the truth is that we must do these things to save ourselves."

The comment features prominently in his 2020 documentary and book, A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: "Although Sir David has travelled to almost every corner of our wonderful world, his commitment to conservation here in the UK has been ever-present.

"Behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, he has turned up to applaud, champion and boost the day-to-day efforts of thousands of people making nature recovery happen for more than six decades.

He added: "As we celebrate Sir David's birthday today, I'd urge you to think about ways you can help wildlife in your own life. Whether it's planting for pollinators, taking action for nature in your community, or creating a mini pond for wildlife, you can be an everyday nature hero."

Born on May 8, 1926, Sir David's interest in nature started as a child when he collected fossils.

He went on to gain a natural sciences degree from Clare College, Cambridge, after attending Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester.

He served in the Royal Navy from 1947-49 before joining the BBC, but was initially discouraged from appearing on screen because his bosses thought his teeth were too big.

Despite their dental misgivings, he launched his Zoo Quest series in 1954.

Long before environmental issues were making daily headlines, he was a fervent eco-campaigner both on and off screen.

His 2000 series, State of the Planet, and Are We Changing Planet Earth? in 2006 dealt heavily with environmental issues such as global warming.

Sir David was knighted in 1985 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to television broadcasting.

He has made shows for black and white TV, colour TV, HD and 3D, terrestrial broadcasters and streamers.

In 1950, he married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel, who died in 1997. The couple had a son and a daughter.