DANCE classes are being planned to help older people keep mobile.

Taster sessions will take place in Castle to give people a glimpse of the classes, which are being run by Cheshire Dance and are part a national project called Dance for Health.

"This class is for you if you can walk without assistance in and outdoors, stand up from a chair five times in a row unassisted and of course be able to get to the class, which will take place twice a week," said Rosalind Holgate-Smith, who will lead the sessions.

"In the sessions we will explore and expand our creative movement vocabulary, develop softness through our joints, while building strength, balance and flexibility.

"Once everyone is settled and enjoying themselves there will be opportunities for participants to contribute ideas and shape the creative movement sessions, including opportunities to try peoples' favourite dance styles."

The Castle classes are being supported by Age UK Cheshire, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) and Western Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Ken Clemens, chief executive of Age UK Cheshire, said: "This is a great opportunity to be part of a new local social group that combines keeping active with having fun.

"It's also terrific to be part of a wider national pilot here in Cheshire West and Chester about developing dance for health."

Cllr Louise Gittins, CWAC's cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing, said: "These fun classes are a great creative way to improve mobility in a sociable atmosphere and contribute towards fall prevention in older people."

Adam Holloway, one of the directors of Cheshire Dance, said: "Cheshire Dance is thrilled to be working with our local partners and delivering this project in Northwich and Chester to support older people in maintaining their independence to live life how they want to."

The dance classes combine the clinical criteria of physiotherapy exercise programs with the fun and creativity of dance.

Taster sessions take place at Castle Community Centre, in Barbers Lane, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on September 25 and October 9.

For more information ring Jane Atherton on 01606 861770 or email jane.atherton@cheshiredance.org