A Lincolnshire pensioner will pay tribute to his late wife when he performs an ice dance in front of an audience.

John Verney, 73, from North Hykeham will dance to his wife Jean's favourite balled Wind Beneath My Wings, at iceSheffield's Thankyou for the Music show on March 19.

He has travelled to the ice rink five-days-a-week for five years to have lessons.

The show is the grand finale of the Real Yorkshire Ice Factor competition – South Yorkshire's answer to TV favourite Dancing on Ice.

Mr Verney, who's wife died in 2003, was given the confidence to take on the challenge after his talent was spotted by former British champion skater David Hartley.

Mr Verney, an former draughtsman said: "I thought it would be a good idea to dance to Jean's favourite song and although I'm a bit nervous I'm excited because it's the first time I have ever done anything at this level."

His next big plan is to take to the slopes of Andalo in Italy for a week-long skating and skiing seminar and plans to enter the British Adult Skating Championships next year.