Meet the 99-year-old Milton Keynes man who still does high-energy Scottish dancing twice a week

Super-fit 99-year-old Eddie Gibbs is a regular at the Thistle Scottish Country Dance Club, which meets every Wenesday evening at Shenley Brook End Village Hall.

He joins in the high energy Celtic dances with gusto, saying the exercise is “a great thing for older people”.

Eddie spent years caring for his wife, who sadly died last year, and says the friendly club has been a lifeline for him since he became a widower.

"Without Scottish dancing, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.

Club organiser Jan Jones told the BBC Eddie is an “amazing gentleman”.

She said: "He enjoys dancing so much. You can see the big smile on his face.”

Eddie hopes older people will be inspired by his story.

The Thistle Scottish Country Dance Club meets every Wednesday at 8pm to 9.30pm and newcomers are welcome. They do not need a partner, special clothing or any prior experience.

"No kilt or Scots accent is necessary!” said Jan.

The club enjoys musician's workshops and dance schools and also runs special Hogmanay Dance events in Milton Keynes each year.

Scottish Country Dancing (SCD) is a dynamic, energetic, and sociable form of dance that acts as an excellent form of exercise, often featuring fast-paced reels and jigs. Unlike the slower, more elegant Strathspeys, these faster dances are characterized by quick, lively steps, turning movements, and, in some cases, high-energy, rumbustious movements.