You're never tutu old to ballet

Iris Briggs is the oldest member of the Lilley Balandis dance class which she joined when it was formed 13 years ago.

She said: “I have adored ballet from being a young girl. I saw all the popular ballets in London in the second world war.

“I decided to do everything I could when I lost my husband. Ballet is lovely, gentle, graceful exercise.

“I have got to know all the members of the class and I love it. It’s almost a social activity as well.

“She has a job to control us sometimes.”

Sandra Lilley, who formed the dancing group, said a move to North Mundham Village Hall last year had turned out well.

“We’ve had five new members since Christmas,” she said, “to take our total to 18. That’s double our lowest number.”

They come from as far apart as Petersfield, the Witterings and Middleton. The youngest is 51.

The group began in Bognor Regis’ Laburnum Centre before several moves.