A NIFTY 90-year-old plans to keep getting on his bike daily, despite his advancing years.

Former miner Alfie Swainston, a lifelong cyclist, still rides everywhere, whether it is to collect his pension, go shopping or to visit friends and relatives.

The independent widower lives alone, tending for himself at his bungalow in Bowburn, near Durham, 12 years after the death of his wife, Cathy.

His soul-mate is his ever-faithful Jack Russell terrier, Poppy, who is also in good health despite reaching the relatively old age of 18.

Mr Swainston celebrated his 90th birthday yesterday with visits from three generations of his family, including daughters Eileen Ford and Brenda Woods, and stepson David Johnson.

A family lunch, to be attended by all his grandchildren and great grand-daughter Mila, aged two, will be held this weekend.

Daughter Brenda, better known on the North-East club circuit as comedienne Brenda Collins, said her father was happy seeing to himself.

She said: "He is very proud and very independent. He does all his washing, cleaning and ironing.

"He is very fit for his age. He still plays golf and he is always out on his bike.

"He has never owned a car, he has always cycled everywhere."

Mr Swainston, who began down the pit at the age of 14 at Browney, went on to work at West Cornforth, Tursdale and Bowburn collieries.

He believes the secret of his continuing good health is a daily drop of his favourite brand of stout, Mackeson.

A few were downed on his birthday night out, accompanying Brenda on her concert date at Consett Steel Club last night, when he was taken up on stage to sing his favourite song, Michael Holliday's Story of My Life.