LOCAL brownies, students and pensioners were among 75 people to trip the light fantastic at a tea dance in Monmouth.

They were attending the award-winning weekly tea dance that has been held at Bridges Community Centre for over five years.

The volunteer-run initiative has become a focal point for people of all ages, winning recognition at the Monmouthshire Intergenerational Awards and Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations Achievement Awards.

Organiser Georgie Meadows, a former occupational therapist, said it particularly helps those with dementia, mental health and physical problems “There is a real therapeutic benefit for the elderly in flexing part of their bodies that are no longer exercised much. It improves posture, circulation, confidence and is important emotionally.”

“It is also good for declining memories to remember the movements and steps of the dances such as the foxtrot and waltz,” she added.

Ms Meadows says the young people who join in have fun learning dances such as The Locomotion and other action dances.

Ms Meadows said the group, which has a paid dance teacher Ann Brankley, relies on funding from various bodies, most recently the New Grove Trust and Sport Wales Community Chest.

The group meets each Thursday at Bridges Community Centre at 1.45pm. To join or volunteer, contact Georgie Meadows, on 07932077590.