Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, who turned 89 on 21 February, marked the occasion with a lavish $600,000 (£400,000) birthday party at a stadium in the north eastern mining town of Bindura.

Mugabe wore a tan suit with a red scarf around his neck and combined it with a bright red cap with his year of birth, 1924, picked out in green numbers. One of Africa's longest-serving leaders, Mugabe cut a cake weighing 89 kilogram's (196lbs) - one of four huge cakes presented to him. He later released 89 balloons into the sky.

"Forward with winning elections, down with imperialism," he told thousands of supporters.

According to a report in Newsdzezimbabwe, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono presented him with 89 cattle for his farm. Other gifts included bibles, rosaries, heifers, sheep and foodstuff.

"You have reminded me of how I grew up. My parents were Catholic and they taught me that God created me and He should always come first. I know people compare me to my mother in terms of being good hearted, but, I don't think I can ever be like her. She was a prayerful woman," he said.

Mugabe was accompanied by his wife Grace and their two children at the event.

Take a look at Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's 89th birthday celebrations...