A man made his 10th leap-year birthday celebrations a day to remember by organising a tongue-in-cheek children's dress up party.

Chris Cunningham today (February 29) enters double digits for the first time. He invited dozens of friends and family to share the delights of finger food, colourful costumes and party bags at Aylesford Rugby Club on Friday.

The father-of-three said: "Because it was my 40th I thought I would get together to do something fun with my mates.

"I decided on a children's fancy dress party, there were even party bags for everyone.

"If I had been able to hold it on a Saturday I would have taken them to McDonalds for Happy Meals.

The dad-of-three was joined for a disco and birthday cake by wife Melissa and his three children, Chloey, 17, Adam, 15, and Joshua who is one.

Mr Cunningham, who runs his own property maintenance company, said: "Usually if it is not a leap year I just have my birthday on the 28th of February. I remember when I was 18 I couldn't have a drink until March.

The Low Meadow resident added: "I get it a lot where people just won't accept it is my birthday. I have mates who won't give me cards because they say 'it's just not your birthday'.

"I see it as a bit of give and take. I have always wanted to just have my birthday in August with a barbeque, but that hasn't ever worked out."

Mrs Cunningham said: "It is quite strange- I have my son who has just turned one and my husband who has turned 10.

"My husband really is a child at heart. It was a night of good with friends and family. It was also a momentous occasion for Chris as he is now in double digits."