RETIRED senior school maths teacher Gwen Poole runs a country dance group that keeps 22 U3A members on their toes on Wednesday mornings.

Their chosen subject is a combination of English social history and physical activity.

"The dances date from the 18th century up to the present day," said Mrs Poole, 71.

"Some of the group are in their 70s and we have three in their 80s. The dances are not energetic in the sense that a barn dance or a ceilidh is."

But the classes help physical as well as mental muscles to stay flexible. The dancers also have workshops run by one of Britain's best-known callers, Alan Davies from Bristol.

The group gets together at the Reuben George Hall, in Cavendish Square. The hire charge is paid out of the £18 membership fees which make up the U3A's funds.