One of the UK’s oldest women is planning to celebrate her 102nd birthday with a tea party – and credits her longevity to ‘sunshine and dancing’.

Dinkie Flowers, 101, credits her health and longevity to dancing and says everyone should do it.

The mum-of-one, who will be celebrating her 102nd birthday on 7 May, 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 lived through the reign of five monarchs.

Dinkie hopes to raise money for local charity The Gateway Hub who provide support to the local community and is looking forward to a tea party organised by carer Lesley.

And Dinkie says she might even bust out some moves on the big day.

Dinkie said: "Dancing has helped keep my 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 is a former pro-dancer and was the first British acrobatic skater – and has travelled the world demonstrating her incredible skills, including performing in Baghdad and in front of Prince Phillip.



She’s previously said that she won’t stop dancing until ‘they take me away in a box’.

Looking ahead to her 102nd birthday, Dinkie said she was ‘looking forward to it as much as she can be’.

"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." "

Lesley, Dinkie’s carer said: "Last year I did a huge party for her birthday so this year it will be a bit more lowkey 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." "

More information about Dinkie's fundraising efforts can be found here: http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dinkie-flowers