EVERYBODY Dance is helping students and older people with dementia come together for dancing, fun and laughter.

The events are a real break from the everyday for elders and their carers and a chance for young people to help people in their community.

A group of students from Earl Mortimer College in Leominster hosted a Pleased to Meet You tea dance at the college on March 1.

Staff and students had decorated the space and prepared tea and cakes for everyone.

Students had learnt a few dances in advance of the public event, including the St Bernard's and Valetta Waltz, the twist and jive: this preparation helped them to feel more confident when it came to dancing with the elders on the day.

People who attended the tea dance commented on how much they had enjoyed the company of others, especially being welcomed by the young people who were very polite and friendly, "I feel different and nice being here." "The kiddies are good, you can't fault them." "I've met new people."

Albert told Everybody Dance's Rachel Freeman that it was the first time he had been to this sort of event and it had made him feel happy, while one of the students explained that she loved spending time with her 80-year-old dancing partner.

So many people from Earl Mortimer College got involved: a great addition to the event was a visit by the school choir, who entertained everyone with an array of rock 'n' roll songs with hand jives, as everyone else enjoyed tea and cake.

This was the second event of its kind in the county and follows a Valentine's Day tea dance in Bromyard, with Queen Elizabeth High School.

The Pleased to Meet You project is led by Rachel Freeman for Everybody Dance and is funded by #iwill through the Herefordshire Community Foundation.

For more information visit everybodydance.org.uk or Facebook page: /rfeverybodydance