AN 88-year-old Second World War veteran from Stockton Heath was the star of the show after scooping Wire FM's local hero lifetime achievement award.

Joseph Holce, of Fairfield Gardens, has been attending dance classes at the Warrington Wolves Foundation since they began in 2011.

During this time, he has taken part in a number of impressive performances, including for the Queen at Orford Jubilee Hub in 2012 and at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in front of 15,000 people last year.

But the highlight of Joe's involvement in the group was when he opened last year's Window on Warrington routine to a crowd of 2000 in the town centre to celebrate the town hosting Samoa during the Rugby League World Cup.

After claiming the accolade, the man himself, who was a part of the Eighth Army in the war, struggled to come to terms with his latest achievement.

"I am just so surprised that they picked me - I can't really describe the feeling, it is so satisfying," Joe said.

"When I found out about the dance classes, I thought to myself that I should give it a go and I am very glad that I did.

"Even though there were no men at the classes, I took the challenge on have enjoyed every minute of it."

The inspiring figure is already looking forward to getting back onto stage and has praised the foundation for their help but admits he must be careful.

"To some extent the dancing is a big part of my life now, exercise is something you should always try to do and being active has been fantastic for me," he added.

"However, with me, I am starting to lose my balance a bit now and so I need to be careful not to fall. I have got to watch it."

For further information about the foundation call 248894.