A LINE dancing group from Bolton stepped out to great applause for their first performance since the pandemic.

The West Pennine Line dancing group took centre stage at the Inn on the Prom Hotel in Lytham St Annes last Saturday night.

They surprised guests as they walked out dressed up as the Chelsea Pensioners in their iconic bright red and black suits, before parading the ball room.

Member of the group, Jean Jones said: “We didn’t stop laughing from the moment we arrived in Lytham until the second we left.

“Our performance was pushed back several times due to the pandemic, so it was fantastic to be able to perform again.

“The outfits were homemade in one member's kitchen before the event.”

The group performed in front of 120 people, many of whom were from other dancing groups.

Sylvia Yates, fellow member, added: “We marched into the ballroom to the Old Brigade music and we danced to Staying Alive.

“We thought this would be appropriate for the Chelsea pensioners. The performance went well.

“There were 10 of us who dressed up. Everyone gets along really easily.

“It’s like spending time with family.”

The group stayed in Lytham for three days and made time to enjoy themselves.

Christine McLoughlin, who participated in Saturday’s event, said she enjoyed performing after a long wait due to Covid restrictions.

She said: “Some of the people in the audience were waving flags as we came out.

“We went out and had a really good time.

“We often dress up on these sorts of trips which is a lot of fun.

“We also travelled in style as we went in a limo and came back in a limo.”

The dancing group has members aged 70 and 80 from Bolton and across the North West.

Other members who participated in the performance on Saturday included Carole Haslam, Arline Williams, Lily Cartlidge, Anne Hupton, Cath Foster, Jane Ashelby and Irene Simpson.

The West Pennine Line dancing group meet every Tuesday evening at Trinity Methodist Church in Bolton.