MORE than 50 people attended a tea dance in Benson.

Guests danced various dance styles, including swing, modern jive and tango, in the village hall in Sunnyside.

The event was organised by Jive Temptation and led by dance teachers Sarah Clark and Mrak Bees, who teach dance classes in the area.

Ms Clark said: “We started in 2010. We just wanted to create a friendly environment where people could learn to dance and have fun, because it’s your night out and it should be fun.

“It’s just a great way to spend your free time. It’s much better than a gym membership and cheaper.”

“Once a year we do a vintage event where people come in fifties clothes and that is reflected in the music.”

Jan Green, 80, who lives in The Cedars, said dancing made her feel young. She said: “It’s a very good workout and it’s good for balance, it’s good for the brain. I’ve been dancing for a long time.”

“I’ve been going to tea dances since the beginning and I like all kinds of dance styles. I like jive, I dance ballroom dancing and I’ve danced a bit of tango. You get to know lots of different people. Some dance like this, some like that and you just get used to it.”

Ms Green, who previously lived in America, joined the group shortly after moving back to the UK. She said: “I started about two years after I moved, but I had been dancing before that when I was living abroad.”

“It’s very friendly, the cakes are very good and they’re people I’ve known for a long time.” Sue Stack, who travelled from Burghfield Common in Reading, danced with Paul Griffiths from Didcot.

Mrs Stack said: “It keeps you fit and is fun. You go on the dance floor and forget everything else.”

“I go maybe three times a week. Different clubs and different places. Tea dances are always nice, they’re more social. There are always good songs.”