THE Dolphin Club of Newent, for people with learning difficulties, recently gathered at Newent Community Centre for its annual country dance.

The club now has a long tradition in Newent and district, being founded more than 33 years ago, and the dance itself looks set to become a popular local tradition.

Club spokesman, Yvonne Lamb said: "It was very clear from the start that the members and staff all enjoy this annual event. The music was supplied by the group Kit and Kaboodle and the caller was David Blick.

"We have members at present from 17 to 66 years of age, and we currently have 36 members. The numbers are still increasing year on year. It is a very popular club run solely by volunteers and financed by funds raised by members and staff through events and by donations and contributions."

She added: "We raise most of the funds to operate the club ourselves through various regular events such as coffee mornings, skittles, rounders, cricket and creating Easter cards.

"However I must stress that we also we receive great support, and donations and contributions from local organisations such as The Onion Fayre, Newent Triathlon and the Forest of Dean District Council for which we are very grateful indeed."

The club has recently raised enough funds to take the members on one weeks holiday in Blackpool.

The country dance was the forth to be organised for the members, and the hope is that it will remain an annual diary date from now on, because the event is always so popular.