WITH the music of Bob Marley and the Wailers blasting out, there was no doubting the enthusiasm of the exercise group at the East Oxford Community Centre.

But the fact that most of the hard-working dancers were over 70 shows it is never too late to get down to a little jammin’ with friends.

The group exercising at the community centre on the Cowley Road belongs to one of the 44 classes run every week by Age UK Oxfordshire, which have been gathering pace across the county in recent months.

The classes are now attracting nearly 500 people a week, with activities ranging from seated exercise to Tai Chi.

Brenda Longmuir, the exercise co-ordinator for Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “All the teachers are specially trained to work with older adults. There are many different classes to suit every individual. We have such a wide range of people from different backgrounds.

“This morning we had a fitness dance class. The tutor Jean Foster really loves her music. So today they are moving to Bob Marley and Michael Jackson.”

Dave Symcox, the community development manager at Age UK Oxfordshire said: “I’m so proud of the classes. They are fun, good for you and allow people to meet up and socialise. Due to the rural nature of our county, without our support these classes wouldn’t even exist in certain communities, which is why it’s so vital we ensure they continue.”

For more inforamtion about the classes, call Brenda Longmuir on 07827 235428.