'Without Scottish dancing I would not be here'

A 99-year-old man has said without Scottish dancing he "would not be here" following the death of his wife.

Eddie Gibbs dances twice a week at the Thistle Scottish Country Dance Club at Shenley Brook End Village Hall, in Milton Keynes.

He first tried Scottish dancing when he was 16 but he did not take it up again until he was 66.

Much of that time was spent caring for his wife who died last year.

Eddie said Scottish dancing was a "great thing for us older people", allowing him to make many friends since he became a widower.

Jan Jones runs the dance classes and believes they are good for people's physical and mental wellbeing.

She said that Eddie was "an amazing gentleman".

"His dancing became a lifeline," said Jan.

"He enjoys [dancing] so much. You can see the big smile on his face. At 99 he is not as brisk as he was.

"He mostly does the slower [dances]. We try to control him a little bit because he is a little bit fragile."

Eddie said that Jan was a wonderful teacher and had been "very accommodating". He hopes people will be inspired by his story.

The Thistle Scottish Country Dance Club meets every Wednesday at 20:00.

Newcomers do not need a partner, special clothing or prior experience.

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