A plucky pensioner is celebrating his 80th year in style by getting engaged and taking part in a 100km cycle ride.

Benny Goodman, 79, celebrated his recent proposal to girlfriend Pamela Forsyth, 84, by holding a party at her daughter’s Bearsted home, yesterday.

The retired British Telecom engineer from Chapman Avenue, Maidstone, met his bride-to-be through his son, Dave, who is married to Pamela’s daughter, Lorraine.

He said: “She was having her knee done and I was going to have mine done so my son said she could tell me about the procedure. They then asked me to look after her because they were going out and the rest is history.”

Mr Goodman, who remains remarkably active despite the knee operation and a separate one on his back, said both he and Pamela, who lives in Coxheath, keep themselves busy and described her as the life and soul of the party.

Three generations of the family will take part the charity challenge on Sunday, April 26, with Mr Goodman lining up alongside his son and daughter-in-law and grandson, Tim, 25.

The circular ride, held to raise money for Heart of Kent Hospice, will see around 400 riders setting off from East Malling Research at 8.30am.

Mr Goodman, who volunteers at the Hall Road hospice, said: “The fact I’m even riding is really surprising everyone. I’m aiming to raise £600 and I’m hoping to complete the circuit in under five hours.

“I did it a few years ago and completed it in four and a half hours, but that was before I had my operations.”

Meanwhile Benny and Pamela, who have been single for nine years and 17 years respectively, have not yet decided on a date to tie the knot.

Mr Goodman said that the couple need to be in a position where they can dedicate their full attention to the occasion.