Tai chi king Pat still going strong at age of 87

But the grandfather-of-four is still going strong, teaching the ancient art of tai chi at his local village hall every week.

The retired construction worker from Cannock said the practice kept him young, healthy and his bones and muscles in good condition.

He holds a class for people of all ages at Cheslyn Hay Village Hall on Pinfold Lane every Tuesday between 2pm and 3pm.

"Everyone is welcome to come along and give it a try. It is good for everyone, but especially for senior citizens. The benefits of tai chi are that it reduces stress levels, increases energy, improves concentration, strengthens bones, helps flexibility, the heart and lungs and holds back the aging process," said the father-of-two who is married to wife Daisy.

The class has been running at the village hall for seven years and Mr Flavahan has been teaching for more than 12 years, having swapped from Shogun Karate which he practised for 36 years.

Mr Flavahan said he knew he would have to give up the karate as it was a lot more energetic.

"The tai chi was a perfect thing to get into as it is more relaxing but it is still an art form. It has done wonders for me to do it and it does just take years off you. I am thriving from it. I take classes in it about three times a week, as well as teaching it", he said.

"People of all ages come to my class, there is never an age too old to do it and if you have trouble walking, you can do it sitting down," he said.

Mr Flavahan said he had read the Express & Star for almost 50 years and hoped by being in the paper, more people would come.

"I love the local paper and it's really important. I think if people see what we are doing in the paper and know the benefits they are more likely to give it a go," he said. Classes cost £2.50 a session. Call 01543 505186 for details.