A tea dance was organised today in Darlington market square to encourage people to dust off their dancing shoes.

Organised by the Growing Older Living in Darlington (GOLD) and supported by Darlington Borough Council.

There was certainly a buzz in the town centre today and plenty of people decided to get involved.

The dance kicked off at 11am and ran until 3pm, with free tea and cakes and plenty of music from The Daisies, a vocal harmony group, to encourage dancing in the square. 

The Northern Echo: The market square was packed with people. Picture: STEVEN CURTISThe market square was packed with people. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: Picture: STEVEN CURTISPicture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: The Daisies. Picture: STEVEN CURTISThe Daisies. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS

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The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor AnneMarie Curry was on hand to officially launch the tea dance.

The Northern Echo: Plenty of tea from Ringtons. Picture: STEVEN CURTISPlenty of tea from Ringtons. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS She said: “It is an honour to open this very successful event. It also is an excellent way to enjoy some exercise in the sun and with so many friends around you.”

The Northern Echo: Picture: STEVEN CURTISPicture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: The day was a big success. Picture: STEVEN CURTISThe day was a big success. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: Picture: STEVEN CURTISPicture: STEVEN CURTIS

James Tugendhat, HC-One’s chief executive officer, added: “HC-One is delighted to sponsor this year’s GOLD tea dance. It’s fantastic to see the event return after three years, as it has always brought so many happy memories for all involved.

“As one of Darlington’s biggest employers, it’s important to us as an organisation to show our support to our community, local initiatives and events such as the GOLD tea dance.  

“As the Kind Care Company, it is our mission to provide the kindest support and care to residents living in our care homes, as we strive to be the first-choice care provider in each of the communities that we serve. We are proud to support the work that Growing Older Living in Darlington and Darlington Borough Council carries out to help provide a brighter, active and more positive future for older people living in our local community.”

The Northern Echo: A tea dance is not complete without a cuppa. Picture: STEVEN CURTISA tea dance is not complete without a cuppa. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: Entertainment provided by vocal harmony group, The Daisies. Picture: STEVEN CURTISEntertainment provided by vocal harmony group, The Daisies. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: The Daisies. Picture: STEVEN CURTISThe Daisies. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS

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There was also a host of information stands including Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, Home Instead, Medequip, the council’s Lifeline services, Diabetes UK, Healthwatch Darlington, Middleton Hall Retirement Village, Foresters Friendly Society, Darlington for Culture, Co Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Darlington Libraries, Citizens Advice Bureau and Darlington Social Care’s Occupational Therapy Team.

The Northern Echo: Picture: STEVEN CURTISPicture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: Picture: STEVEN CURTISPicture: STEVEN CURTIS

There was also a prize draw and raffle, with a hamper donated by Robin Blair, of family-run greengrocers JJ Blair & Sons.

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