A man who is believed to be UK's oldest person with Down's syndrome has said dancing keep him young.
George Wildgust, who was told he would not live past the age of 10, has defied the odds to celebrate his 77th birthday.
Thanks to a healthy social life and a love of dancing, George celebrated the milestone last month surrounded by family and friends at Watcombe Circus care home in Carrington, Notthingham.
Niece Nikki Wright, 44, who visits him every week, said: "We're all very proud of him.
"It's amazing for him to get to his age, my grandma was told he would not live past ten years old because of his Down's syndrome.
"But they were wrong. Look at him now.
"He was always told by his mum that he can do anything and because of that, he has always been very independent.
"He doesn't like being told what to do really but I do think that is why he has reached 77."
George was one of the three children and was born in the Cinderhill area of Notthingham on August 16 in 1942.
His younger brother, Colin, 71, died three years ago but younger sister Jean Yessyan, 79, still keeps in touch with him via Skype in Australia.
He worked as a gardener and rug maker before retiring and now he is enjoying his past-times at the care home.
Nikki said he loves watching Strictly Come Dancing and enjoys a walk along the beach.
She added: "He likes going out for dinner, colouring books and especially dancing.
"It keeps him young. He also enjoys going to the sea-side and having fish and chips and ice cream."
People with Downs Syndrome are expected to live to their 50s these days but the life expectancy was much lower during the 1940s.
A Down's syndrome Association spokesperson said: "Thanks to medical advances and the care and love of those around them, the average life expectancy for people with Down’s syndrome is now between 50 and 60 years, with a small number of people living into their seventies and beyond.
"Everyone at the Down’s Syndrome Association wishes Georgie a very happy birthday and all the best for the future."
