Winning wrinkles in Georgia

Sonia Konyashvili, 101, held her own in the pageant

The contestants in Georgia's beauty contest for people over 90 were not just pretty faces - they were talented as well.

They are all beautiful and fascinating

Audience member

The judges marvelled at their attempts to try their hand at everything from weightlifting to playing the saxophone.

And in the end the judges decided they could not chose between the seven men and seven women - so all of them got a prize.

Georgia is known for its hardy elderly - Pavle Abuladze lifted two 26lb weights 10 times.

Traditional dress was order of the day

The retired doctor put his good looks down to moderate eating and a daily glass of red wine.

Saxophones and singing

Musician Vano Garsevanishvili, 92, played his saxophone, which he said had been given to him in 1945 by future French President Charles de Gaulle.

He said he had been a member of the French Resistance after escaping from the Germans during World War II.

Bagdo Idonishvili, at 106, was the oldest taking part - she sang and wore traditional Georgian dress. Others read poetry.

All entrants got $25 along with food and medicine.

"They are all beautiful and fascinating," said actor Boris Tsipuria, who was in the audience.

Another contest planned for later this year is broadening its horizons, with old people from all over the Caucasus Mountains region being allowed to take part.