How ballroom dancing is Eric's secret to reaching 100-years-old

Eric Castle has been dancing since his sister taught him the waltz when he was seven years-old.

Some 93 years later and he still has all the fancy footwork.

Mr Castle, who goes dancing at least twice a week and more often if he can, celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday - which coincided with the weekly tea dance at Morley Town Hall.

It was a packed dance floor with at least 80 people attending and a party to celebrate the milestone birthday.

He said: "We had quite a party, it was absolutely packed, it was great. I got a lot of dancing in and one or two complained that I had not danced with them so I just had to say I will dance with them twice next week."

When asked if dancing was the way to make it to 100 he said: "Oh yes. I have lived on my own for 20 years (never lost an argument) and that is my life. I enjoy dancing and good music. I have gone to the one at Morley for the last six or seven years and the church across the road. If I can get to Sheffield I go to the City Hall and, the best of all, is Blackpool Tower. That is the best and I go two or three times a year."

Mr Castle was born in Attercliffe, Sheffield and just after the outbreak of the Second World War he was called up and asked whether he wanted to join the Army, Navy of Airforce. He said he wanted to be an engineer in the Navy as his mate was already in. For 20 years he ended up working at Rolls Royce near Skipton before moving to Stevenage to work for British Aerospace until he retired.

Two years later he and his late wife returned to Yorkshire.

He added: "I enjoy life as it is and have got to think of a date I can manage to. If I wanted to live to 105 and if I don't make it I will never know so I shall keep going as long as I can."