A Cockermouth group - which has members ranging in age from eight to 84 - celebrated 60 years of dancing with a special ball.

Cockermouth Scottish Country Dancing Club had been planning to celebrates its 60th anniversary two years ago. But the pandemic put paid to that and they were finally able to mark the special occasion only recently.

Times and Star: ANNIVERSARY: Everyone enjoyed the celebrationsANNIVERSARY: Everyone enjoyed the celebrations

The celebration ball was held at Gatra Farm, Lamplugh, by kind permission of the Spencer family in memory of their mother, Alice Spencer, who had been a member of the club.

"It was a very special occasion for us," said club secretary Linda McMillan.

"The converted barn incorporates the former Workington Cumbria Ballroom dance floor and it provided a magnificent setting for the occasion.

"Club members were joined by dancing friends from all over Cumbria, England, Scotland and even Canada. "With almost 100 dancers taking to the floor, all enjoyed a wonderful evening of dancing to the music of George Meikle and his band.

"There was an excellent buffet supper and plenty of opportunity for old friendships to be renewed with both past and current members joining in the festivities."

Times and Star: VENUE: The converted barn was the perfect settingVENUE: The converted barn was the perfect setting

The club runs weekly classes in the Lorton Street Methodist Hall from September until May and holds two dances each year in May and November.

The club's oldest member is 84 and has been a member for most of the six decades. It used to be known as the Derwent Scottish Country Dance Club as it was held at Derwent School now Cockermouth School.