President George Abela turns 61 today, the first birthday he will be celebrating in the role of head of state.

A firm believer in health and exercise, he woke up before the crack of dawn to go for his one-hour jog, a ritual he plans to pursue and lead by example in the hope of spurring the nation to become fitter.

His commitments today include attending the honoris causa conferment on United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, followed by a visit to Georgia Montebello, who shares a birthday with him... only she turns 100.

The rest of the evening will be spent with his wife Margaret and his family, although his staff are sure to have some surprises in store.