Dick Van Dyke seen for the first time since cancelling appearance and joking he ‘hopes he makes it to’ 99th birthday

DICK Van Dyke has been seen for the first time since cancelling a public appearance and joking he 'hopes he makes it to' his 99th birthday.

Actor Dick, 98, looked in fine fettle while dressed in a pale blue shirt and joggers as he ran erands in Malibu this week.

The Hollywood legend leaned on a leopard-print walking stick and carried a bag as he enjoyed his day out.

He was joined by a burly male companion as the pair made their way across a car park.

It comes shortly after the Mary Poppins star was forced to withdraw from his first public event outside of Los Angeles in months, citing his advanced age as the reason.

Dick was scheduled to attend the three-day FanX convention in Salt Lake City from September 26-29.

However, a statement from the event organizers announced his cancellation: “We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX.

"He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him, but at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time.”

The Tony winner, who will turn 99 in December, last attended FanX in 2017, where he humorously remarked, "I'm looking for work if anybody has [any]."

When asked for advice to younger performers, he encouraged persistence.

He said: “You have to stick with it. You’re gonna go through hard times and a lot of auditions ... but you have to stay with it."

Regarding his plans for his upcoming 99th birthday, he joked, “Just praying that I make it."