GREENOCK'S Silver Swans ballet class is shining bright on its tenth anniversary.

The class for older ladies, launched at Elite Academy of Dance in 2013, was the first in Scotland for the over-55s.

And from a hugely positive response in those early days, the Silver Swans class is every bit as popular now.

Dance teacher and owner Julie Kavanagh said: "Initially when we came up with the idea, we advertised the class and I couldn't believe the response and it's been like that ever since.

"A lot of the ladies have been coming for ten years and they all love it.

"It's a lovely class. It's a great form of exercise and they have a wee giggle as well."

Julie has 30 pupils in the class and says its popularity shows that it is never too late to learn something new.

She said: "For some of the ladies, it is something they wanted to learn before and now that they have more time, or are retired, they can do that.

"There is a real mix, some ladies who took ballet quite seriously when they were younger and others who have never danced a step."

It is also a labour of love for teacher Julie who is the only fully trained Royal Academy of Dance teacher who lives in Inverclyde.

She has had success in shaping young dancers' careers, having seven pupils who gained places at Scottish Ballet Associate Scheme. Two have gone to the Dance school of Scotland and one is in full-time training at Ballet West.

But Julie says that teaching the older students is also very satisfying.

She told the Tele: "I think it's so rewarding just to see them enjoying dancing, they all get so much joy from moving and it takes them to a nice place in their heads. It's an escape for a lot of them."

The academy's most senior Silver Swan is 82 years of age.

Julie said: "The Swans are learning ballet but they are also building strength in their legs, so if it's icy outside, they are not going to fall and it also helps their posture.

"It gives the ladies the confidence and they support each other. When one group performs, they all clap afterwards and we all go out for lunch every year."

The classes run at the academy in Watt Street on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 11.50am.

For more information call 0775 324 6035 or email balletinverclyde@gmail.com