WOMEN over 50 from Tavistock are shouting about their much-loved dance group which they say has helped them stay active.

The women — the oldest being 84 — study a variety of dance styles from around the world each week and they have never been more energetic.

Most of the members at Attik Dance's 'Time to Dance', which is held at Tavistock Town Hall, are desperate to tell everyone in the town and surrounding villages about what they have been up to.

Jenny Plant, community practitioner for registered charity Attik Dance, based in Plymouth, wants to raise awareness about keeping active for longer.

She said: 'We have groups in Plymouth and they are well established, so we wanted to branch out to Tavistock.

'You would not believe how funky and up for challenges these women are — they are really active and they want to tell everyone what they have been learning. This is a new thing in Tavistock as I wanted to try something in a new area for active older people.'

Around 30 people attend each week, and begin the session with a warm up.

Sisters Karon Harrison and Greta Thomas, both from Tavistock, said they felt the group was a great way to socialise with people while staying active and having fun.

Karon said: 'It's great fun and Jenny is very good and she varies each dance.

'Anyone can join in — if you can tap and clap you can enjoy this group. It is ideal, I wish she did it twice a week.'

One of the first people to start at the group was Maureen Kelway, and she has high praise for Jenny for her dedication and lively spirit.

'I get a lot out of this group as I'm with my friends and I love dancing and music. It's everything you can wish for here as we learn dances of all different varieties. There is something for everyone.

'But if it wasn't for Jenny, I don't think that this group would still be going, she is wonderful.'

Peggy Robinson said: 'You can feel miserable when you walk in at 10.30am but go out with a smile on your face when you have finished, as you forget about everything when you dance.'

Sarah Berry said: 'No-one here is a prima ballerina, most of us here have two left feet but we all enjoy it and have a great time.'

Jenny said: 'We do it as we want to challenge participants and audiences' perceptions about what our bodies are capable of as the body ages.

'What's good about this activity is that it reaches people on their own level — it's both brilliant, exciting and empowering to see older people come to life with a bit of music in a buzzing atmosphere.'

Time to Dance is held in the hall from 10.30am to 11.30am. For more information visit http://www.attik.org.uk">www.attik.org.uk or call 01752 561675.

RIGHT: A class in action in the town hall.