Take your partners for a cuppa and cake at Bristol tea dance

There were proper china cups and saucers for the tea and coffee, plus homemade cakes, fresh flowers and flickering candles in glass holders on the velvet table cloths.

Some of the cups rattled in their saucers slightly because the hands of those holding them were shaking.

But there was nothing wrong with the footwork of those who took to the wooden dance floor as the live four-piece band played songs such as Moon River.

For a moment, the years – and the aches and ailments that go with them – seemed to fade away for the older people attending the tea dance organised by LinkAge.

They might have performing the quick step a little more slowly then they used to but they still remembered the steps and turns.

Others arrived pushing walking frames and could not join in the dancing, but nevertheless enjoyed themselves sitting in groups at the tables, chatting to companions and tapping their fingers in time to the music.

Organiser Kathe Jacob, a community development worker for LinkAge, was watching one elderly man, gliding effortlessly around the dance floor with his partner, his feet moving in perfect sequence.

"He has Alzheimer's, but although he can't remember all sorts of things that have happened recently, he can still remember the dance steps he would have learnt decades ago," she said.

"This is more than just a tea dance for the people who have come here.

"It's an opportunity for them to get dressed up in their best clothes and to rekindle recollections about their younger years.

"Many older people met their lifelong partners on the dance floor and most have very happy memories about their dancing days.

"Nowadays, there's a very important social aspect to going to a dance like this. It gives older people an opportunity to get out of the house and to meet other people.

"Even those who are unable to dance can enjoy the live band and the atmosphere, and have a nice afternoon tea."

Lillian Stiddard, 93, of Easton, was one of those who was whirled around the dance floor, and clearly delighted in every moment of it.

"I went to the last tea dance that was held here and it was very good," she said.

"I'm very glad it's being supported as a lot of effort has to go into organising it.

"When I was young I used to go dancing at Morrisons in Jamaica Street – I was working in a laundry then – so this bring back all sorts of memories."

The tea dance cost just £3 per person, which included a slice of homemade Victoria sponge or chocolate cake, and tea or coffee.

As well as regulars like Lillian, the tea dance also attracted some newcomers, including Patricia Jones, of Kingswood, and Ann Carter, of Staple Hill.

Patricia, a glamorous 67-year-old, said: "We used to go to a tea dance at Kingswood Civic Centre, but it stopped because of lack of support. It was such a shame.

"This is great. The only problem is there are more women than men so it's not easy to get a dance as you need someone who can lead.

"I love all sorts of dancing. I also do tap and rock and roll – it's a really fun way of keeping fit."

Ann, 69, said: "I went to dancing classes when I was 16, and I've never forgotten the steps.

"One of my daughters and her husband are learning ballroom dancing in Yate. I think it's becoming really popular again."

● LinkAge plans to hold a tea dance at Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, Bristol, in the summer. It is open to anyone who over 50, but younger people are also welcome. For further information, telephone Kathe Jacob on 0117 304 1726.

Regular tea dances are also held at Summerhill Over 50s Centre, Summerhill Rd, St George, on Mondays at 7pm and on Friday afternoons at 2pm.