The Dengie's University of the Third Age (U3A) movement is celebrating its first anniversary, with more than double the number of the original participants.

Chairman Maxine Nower, 53, of Ramsey Chase, Latchingdon, founded the area movement on October 13, 2013.

She said: “We started with 34 people and we are now approaching 80.

“The idea is we have interest groups and all learn from each other, that’s the main reason for the U3A.

“We have some as small as four and some as big as 24.

“Lunch, local history, computing and ballroom dancing are all popular groups.

“We are a small U3A but we are growing, people can come along and set up their own groups, it’s social and enjoyable.”

If anyone would like more information on joining the group, call Maxine: 01621 740 024 or email dengieu3a@hotmail.co.uk