A Newton Aycliffe couple are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their dance school.

Bryan and Brenda Thomson say they plan to carry on for a few more years at the Lee Green Dance Centre, which opened 25 years ago this month.

The dance hall was built in 1952 and still has the original wooden sprung floor.

Mr and Mrs Thomson, who originally taught in Billingham, first came to Newton Aycliffe to work for the previous owners.

But when they decided to sell up, the couple took the plunge and bought the business.

The centre teaches ballroom, Latin American, old-time, modern sequence and freestyle dancing, and caters for all abilities and ages from three upwards.

During that time, the couple have taught hundreds of people and are still in touch with some of their original pupils, many of whom have children attending the centre.

Many of the school's dancers have gone on to win medals in regional and national competitions.

Mr Thomson, 51, chairman of the North-East area of the International Dance Teachers Association, said: "We get a lot of pleasure out of it, especially with the youngsters. I think it's rather like being a doctor or a nurse, it is something you are born to."

The dance centre is open every night. A class for beginners is starting tonight at 7.30pm. Call (01325) 381239 for details.