DANCING, singing and drama brought Greenock Town Hall to life this week as older people gathered for the annual ‘WOOPI Do For All’ event.

Five hundred senior citizens clapped and cheered as performers including the Silverline Dancers, the WOOPI singers and Riverview Drama Group took to the stage for a terrific afternoon of entertainment.

The lively event is designed to showcase services open to older people through the successful ‘Wider Opportunities for Older People in Inverclyde’ (WOOPI) scheme.

Reid McLaughlin, a community learning and development worker with Inverclyde Council who helped to organise the event, says it was a huge success.

He told the Telegraph: “We thought that the bad weather might put people off but we had 500 people come along which was great.

“It just goes to show that there is definitely still a demand for the services.

“We had the WOOPI singers working their magic and the Silverline Dancers were good fun.

“The Inverclyde Pipes and Drums Group, which is made up of retired pipers, were absolutely brilliant while the Riverview Players got a great reception when they performed an extract from their play The View from Shore Street.

“All in all it was a fantastic day.” Throughout the afternoon, people could also try-out a range of activities, from arts and crafts and jewellery-making to keep fit sessions and holistic therapies.

Reid added: “Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

“The service providers said it was a great opportunity to let people know what is out there.” Councillor Joe McIlwee, a designated elderly champion for the area, who gave a speech on the day, believes the event is second to none.

He said: “I’m delighted to see the WOOPI groups put on another event to showcase all the fantastic opportunities available to the more mature residents of Inverclyde.

“It’s a great way for older people to see what’s happening in the area, make some new friends, gain new skills and maybe pick up a new hobby.” See today's Tele for full pictures.