GRANDFATHER John Lowe, has starred in his first ballet show at the age of 88. John, of Cathedral Park View, Witchford realised his ambition to become a dancer when he was 79 after harbouring a life-long dream. And on Sunday he appeared with the Ely-based

GRANDFATHER John Lowe, has starred in his first ballet show at the age of 88.

John, of Cathedral Park View, Witchford realised his ambition to become a dancer when he was 79 after harbouring a life-long dream.

And on Sunday he appeared with the Ely-based Lantern Dance Theatre Company in Prokofiev's ballet The Stone Flower at The Maltings.

John, who practices at the bar in his lounge and on his trapeze and takes three ballet lessons a week, has had a lifetime love of dance.

Forty years ago as a theatre director he would watch from the wings as the dancers from the Royal Ballet performed and long to take part.

But it was not until John, who has 11 grandchildren, moved to Ely nine years ago that he decided to pursue his dream.

"I walked into a dance school in the High Street and asked if I could take ballet and tap classes," he said. "They said 'of course you can' and I've been dancing ever since.

"I should have been sent to theatre school when I was young. But I was growing up in the late 1920s and it wasn't done.

"I have always loved to dance. I grew up in a generation where everybody took part in ballroom dancing."

An accomplished pianist, John has also been a drama teacher and has lived overseas from many years.

He served in the Army for six years and was a Japanese prisoner of war for more than three years.

John is disciplined with his dancing training, watching his diet and making sure he doesn't drink too much.

"I couldn't do without my three dancing lessons a week," he said.