A MARKET town is experiencing an explosion in Latin spirit with salsa classes becoming increasingly popular.

Laucinda Holland and Gareth Roberts set up salsa school Encuentro Latino at the start of last year, and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

More than 20 people regularly attend both beginners and intermediate classes in Northallerton on Thursday nights, with more attending their regular classes in York, which take place on Mondays and Fridays.

Ms Holland, who has been teaching, performing and choreographing dance for 14 years, said: "The beautiful thing about salsa is that it is multi-cultural, and for all ages. We have people coming to the classes who are 16 and people who are in their seventies, so it is for absolutely everyone.

"It is a very fun way to keep fit and it a great social dance - very lively and uplifting. We have even got a number of people who have met their current partners through salsa."

The couple run the school from their home in Kilburn, near Thirsk.

In June 2003 Encuentro Latino received a grant from the Arts Council to train with one of the most sought after mambo and salsa instructors and performers in the world, Frankie Martinez, who is based in New York.