A retired people's group put on a display of country dancing at an open day.

The North London University of the Third Age (U3A) provides education and activities for older people ranging from Spanish lessons to yoga. The open day was held this morning at St Paul’s Church, in Long Lane, Finchley.

Branch chairman Patricia Isaacs said: “It’s learning for the pleasure of it. You meet the most amazing people. I’ve made some wonderful friends.

“The aim is to stimulate our minds and keep ourselves busy. It’s very easy for people getting older to not have anything to do but the idea is to meet people with similar interests.”

Mrs Isaacs, 79, who lives in Highgate, got involved with U3A five years ago. There are currently more than 700 members in the branch, which marked its 20th anniversary in June.

She added: “We are lucky that we have a huge number of people who have very interesting backgrounds.

“We encourage people to join.”

They meet once a month at St Paul’s Church, in Finchley.

Mary Callaghan, 61, who lives in Sunbury Avenue, Mill Hill, has been involved for the past three years, and runs a yoga group for beginners. She said: “It’s a magnificent concept, and what’s on offer is phenomenal. It’s a terrific organisation and this branch is very well run.

“There’s usually a lot of interest. My oldest student is 93.

“It brings such huge benefit to people. It’s a really powerful message about the good that comes from people coming together for the benefit of each other.”

Anyone interested can find out more about the organisation at www.nlu3a.org.uk