DANCE teacher Bob Treadwell, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, has been inspiring dancers since the 1950s - and shows no sign of slowing down.

Bob, from Wythall, started dancing at the age of 14 after his sister didn't have a partner.

From that first class he was hooked and dancing would play a major part in his life.

Dancing led Bob to meet his wife and future dance partner Pat, whom he married in 1949.

He even danced his way across the world during World War Two including doing a number of ballroom shows in Japan.

After the war Bob became a qualified teacher at Bocker and Betteridge Dance Hall in Birmingham.

Shortly after, The Park Hall opened in Wythall in the early 1970s and Bob and Pat started to hold dance classes there - something Bob still does to this day.

So what is the secret, the inspiration for Bob's unfaltering love and enthusiasm for dance?

Put simply: "Dancing is life," he said.

"Dancing is the best thing in the world, it lets you get out and meet friends and meet new people.

"It helps you enjoy life."

He added: "It's also definitely kept me young - or just kept me fit and healthy.

"Although, I do keep saying I'll retire every week. As long as they want me I'll keep going for as long as I can."

Bob's pupils are in awe of his patience and his positive outlook on life.

His infectious enthusiasm to get up and dance is a weekly tonic for his dancers who reap the rewards of learning new routines at a later stage in life.

One, Betty Smith, said: "This is a remarkable achievement for Bob. A huge thank you, well done and happy birthday to Bob."

Bob turned 90 on December 5 and celebrated by taking his family out for a meal.

He still teaches dance every Wednesday afternoon at The Park Hall.