This is the moment a sprightly 72-year-old Chinese man shows off his pole dancing skills after only taking the sport up in his mid-60s.

Zhang Xida, from the city of Guiyang in the Chinese province of Guizhou, said that taking up pole dancing seven years ago has helped cure his previous back and shoulder problems.

The nimble OAP shares his pole dance videos on the Chinese social network Douyin where has attracted a large following.

Xida said he took up the sport when he was 65 and practised for over six hours every day.

Seven years later, despite his age, he is now able to perform a number of difficult moves on the pole.

Xida also said that pole dancing has helped him to recover from previous back problems and a stiff shoulder.

He added that, with the support of his family, he will keep practising the sport until he is physically unable to any longer, which he hopes will be many years away yet.

In one video, the agile OAP is seen wearing black clothes and a healthy head of hair as he mounts the pole and performs an elegant upside-down spin and the splits, while supporting himself with one leg.