EX-SERVICEMEN and women are snapping up tickets to attend the re-introduction of tea dances on Teesside.

Volunteer workers with the charity Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces (SSAFA) have organised a tea dance at the Redcar Bowl, Redcar, on Thursday, October 20.

Councillors Peter Spencer and Jean White, the Mayor and Mayoress of Redcar and Cleveland, will open the event at 1.30pm.

Local musician Kevin Paul is supplying the music, while light refreshments will be provided free.

The tea dance is free to veterans and escorts, but numbers are limited. Applications for tickets can be made to Cleveland SSAFA on (01642) 217440, and Sue Kell or Ken Hindmarsh will deal with any queries.

The role of SSAFA is to help and support former members of the armed forces and their dependants.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for help is invited to ring the Middlesbrough office on (01642) 217440 or Stockton on (01642) 553666. Offices are open Monday to Friday, from 10am to noon.