A NEW 'tea dance' session for over 50s in Okehampton has proved a big hit in its first session. The Tea Dance group takes place once a month on a Sunday afternoon at Fairplace Church Hall. The session, for the over 50s, has been set up to offset the closure of the day centres in the area and gives people a chance to socialise during the winter months while capitalising on the popularity of the TV show Strictly Come Dancing in the autumn and winter months. The new series has recently launched, with the likes of Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills and pop star Pixie Lott among the contestants. Professional dance teachers John and Sonia Davies from Sidmouth have agreed to run the session. Providing music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s, they will teach basic steps for around 20 minutes, followed by tea and biscuits, and then social dance time. The first session took place on Sunday, September 21. Jenny Beavon, who has helped organise the events on behalf of Time for Life, said: 'The first tea dance went very well indeed – we had 29 people there which we were very pleased about. I should think they will all come back – they certainly looked as though they enjoyed themselves and I think we will get even more people there.  'The teachers, John and Sonia Davies, were very professional as was their music and sound system and their gentle and friendly approach to everyone there.  I think the sequence dancers in one corner and the Kent House residents in the other were both entertained and kept busy.  Everyone danced with everyone.  The music was so inviting – John did a good job of trying to keep the balance and appeal to most people's needs and tastes.' The planned tea dances take place on October 26, November 23, December 21, January 25, February 22 and March 22. In November, Okehampton College's memory cafe and the college ambassadors will be joining the dance. If you are interested in attending, bringing a group or volunteering, call Jenny Beavon on 01822 810564 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]