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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Josie Adnitt & John Bett

101-year-old dance addict shows off astounding moves and says she 'can't stop'

A 101-year-old dance fanatic says she won't stop grooving until 'they take me away in a box' as she plans her next birthday party.

Dinkie Flowers is one of the UK's oldest women. The mum-of-one was born in 1921, just three years after the end of the first world war.

She has lived through an incredible 21 prime ministers and when she was born, George V was on the throne - meaning she's been alive through the reign of five monarchs.

But the one constant in her life has been dancing. So much so, that despite being a centenarian, Dinkie says she 'can't stop' busting a move, and credits it with her impressive longevity.

She has no plans to hang up her dancing shoes (Lesley Tomlinson / SWNS)

What do you think about Dinkie's advice? Let us know in the comments...

She said: "Dancing has helped keep me healthy, everyone should do something, they shouldn't be on their bottom all day.

"I'll do a little bit of dancing, I can't stop dancing you see – if my friends would like to dance, they can join in, but they might feel a bit stupid as it's not just ordinary dancing, you have to know what you're doing.

"I recommend dancing and moving to stay fit and healthy, not sitting down all day, I couldn't do that - dancing keeps you alive and dancing and being in the sun makes me happy."

Dinkie has danced her whole life (Lesley Tomlinson / SWNS)
She used to be a professional (Lesley Tomlinson / SWNS)

Dinkie is a former pro-dancer and was the first British acrobatic skater. She has travelled the world demonstrating her incredible skills, including performing in Baghdad and for Prince Phillip.

Speaking about her 102nd birthday on May 7, Dinkie said she was 'looking forward to it as much as she can be'.

On her birthday, Dinkie hopes to raise money for local charity The Gateway Hub, who provide support to the local community, at a tea party organised by carer Lesley.

And Dinkie says she'll likely be dancing on the day.

"Dancing is my life, I love it," said Dinkie, "I'm raising the money for charity because it's a local charity and I like to do it."

Dinkie Flowers is 101-years-old, but you'd never know it (SWNS)
She says the secret to long life is dancing and sunbathing (Lesley Tomlinson / SWNS)

Lesley, Dinkie's carer said: "Last year I did a huge party for her birthday so this year it will be a bit more low-key again.

"It will be a few friends around and afternoon tea in the garden - we do it properly, we're going to get the china out and dress the table, do it really nicely.

"We'll be doing the typical sandwiches like if you go to the Ritz for afternoon tea - cucumber sandwiches with crusts cut off, scones, cream cakes, all done in the afternoon tea style with china cups and proper tea.

"A little bit of music and some family and friends but people tend to drop in cards and things for her.

"She's known very well around Shoreham, she's taught generations around here and people have danced with her for years."

For more information about Dinkie's fundraising efforts, please click here.

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