A Halstead woman is hanging up her dancing shoes after retiring from the Halstead Tea Dancers.

The group was founded by Sylvia Merrifield and Beulah Bearman 18 years ago and has run once a month ever since.

However, Beulah has decided to retire from being treasurer after suffering a mild stroke and to celebrate the 18th year of the group and Beulah’s retirement, they held a special tea dance.

The Halstead Tea Dancers meet on the third Thursday of the month in the Queen’s Hall, Halstead from 2pm until 4.15pm. Tickets are £2.50 each and include tea and biscuits and there is a raffle.