A SPECTACULAR variety show was enjoyed by more than 100 of Radcliffe’s elderly residents last week.

Radcliffe Rotary Club organised the show at Dobbie’s Social Club as a replacement for its long-standing Christmas lunch, which had to be cancelled following the demolition of Radcliffe Civic Suite.

Some 140 over-70s attended the event last Thursday, which included a rousing performance from local singer Sarah Dennis, known as the Veterans’ Sweetheart.

Alfred Higginbottom, also known as Dom Collins, entertained the audience with some Lancashire folk songs and his repertoire of humorous gags, followed by an awe-inspiring show from Scoop Magic.

Visitors enjoyed an afternoon tea and a raffle during the break, before Sarah returned to the stage and got many members of the audience up on the dancefloor.

A club spokesman said: “Many in the audience joined in with the dancing and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“The Rotary Club of Radcliffe would like to thank Andrew Hazeldine, chief officer of Age UK Bury, and Barry Sheehan for being honoured guests, our performers, Dobbie’s Social Club for letting us use their facilities, Chris Hudson of Cottage Loaf for preparing the scrumptious afternoon tea and our local Asda, which helped finance the afternoon through their community fund.

“Without them the show wouldn’t have gone on and we wouldn’t have had such a memorable afternoon.”

The club called off its annual festive event, which usually saw 250 residents sitting down with civic leaders for a hot Christmas lunch and entertainment, after being unable to find a suitable replacement venue for the Civic Suite.