Dancing fever is gripping Southamp-ton as the city's over 50s put their best step forward.

Hundreds converged on the Southampton Guildhall for six hours of non-stop dancing.

The popular all-day dance event, which includes a teach-in, is always a popular draw in the action packed Over 50's Festival programme. And this year's event was voted an overwhelming success.

Festival chairman Norma Campbell said: "It was a wonderful day with about 250 people taking part. Everyone really enjoyed themselves."

Tonight there is a chance for the Over 50s to put on those dancing shoes again. The Chamberlayne Leisure Centre in Weston Lane, Weston, will be the stage for a line dance and it is hoped it will be another huge success for the festival.

And there will be a chance to trip the night fantastic when the final event of this year's over 50s festivities takes to the floor.

The city's Guildhall will be the setting tomorrow night for a festival ball and surprise Cabaret.

Away from the dance floor the festival has been digging into the past. At God's House Tower Museum there was an opportunity to get family heirlooms examined by the experts.

Surfing the Internet, fitness sessions, swimming, a summer stroll, a tour of BBC Radio Solent and a coach trip to Dorchester Market have also been part of an action packed programme.

Over 50s movie buffs were at the city's Harbour Lights Picture House to watch a special showing of the classic comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets.

And Southampton-born Brian Freemantle gave an audience an insight into his role as a best-selling writer and foreign correspondent.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.