TAPPING his walking stick in time to the disco beat, great-grandfather Tony Loose celebrated turning 90 in style.

He marked the landmark birthday the best way he knew how, within a sea of sequins, sparkle and spangly costumes.

Tony, a well-known New Forest dance teacher turned compere and DJ, was the star attraction at the South of England Disco Championships.

About 400 people flocked to the competition which his dance school hosts every year at Lymington Recreation Centre.

"It has been absolutely lovely," said Tony, pictured centre. "I usually compere at these events but I thought I would have the day off so I could enjoy myself.

"Lots of people who have never seen me before have been coming up and saying Happy Birthday' and giving me a kiss. There are so many of my friends here too."

The local legend has spent the past 35 years running competitions across the country.

"We always have a good turnout but this year it has been exceptional," said Penny Gluming, a good friend of Tony.

The pensioner still plays a very active role in running the Tony School of Dancing which is based at the Literary Institute in New Street, Lymington.