A Bolivian man born in 1890 – and still going strong – has been revealed as the oldest living person ever recorded, it was reported today.

Carmelo Flores Laura turned 123 last month, according to Bolivia’s civil registry.

Yet the herder, from the mountain village of Frasquicia, 50 miles outside the capital La Paz, is still healthy, walks without a stick and doesn’t wear glasses, according to reports.

The native Aymara, who has three children, 16 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren, was 24 when World War I broke out and 62 when young Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne.

Mr Laura, who lost his wife ten years ago, told Bolivia’s Rede Uno TV station that he believes the secret to a long life is taking daily long walks, and never eating pasta or sugar.

The Bolivian’s biblical age means he would easily overtake the current oldest living person, 115-year-old Japanese woman Misao Okawa.