A GROUP of locals who exercise together weekly enjoyed a very special St Andrew's Day jig in honour of a member's 90th birthday.

Move It or Lose It sessions are exercise classes designed to motivate people 60 and above to keep active in later life.

Class instructor Fiona Bretherton, 61, decided to host a special session with some Greenock members at Westburn Church hall to celebrate our patron saint.

She said: "I always try and keep it fun and do a variety of exercises and special events.

"We have been doing some classes in the lead up to St Andrew's day - ceilidh-themed sessions, and some Irish dancing.

"It's been good fun."

A week ago, lifelong Kilmacolm resident Jean Carson, pictured, celebrated her 90th birthday, leading Fiona to decide to put on a ceilidh Move It or Lose It session in her honour.

Jean has joined the village's classes at the Cargill Centre about six months ago.

Fiona says that women like Jean are proof that you are never too old to still enjoy life.

She added: "Age is just a number - Jean is proof of that.

"People who come to classes are not 'elderly' or 'vulnerable' - they are older adults who are still enjoying life.

"It felt fitting to celebrate Jean's big birthday and have a ceilidh that day.

"She has been coming to classes for six months now, and is always smiling from ear to ear.

"She says she just loves it."

Fiona hopes she can welcome more locals to her sessions soon.

The instructor said: "Joining Move It or Lose It classes helps keep people on their feet and the physical difference it can make is remarkable.

"Locals coming are also a small community now.

"One of the women set up a WhatsApp chat during lockdown in which people communicate regularly.

"During classes friends come together and there is lots of fun, singing, and dancing guaranteed to happen."

The Kilmacolm exercise group meets at the Cargill Centre every Wednesday from 10-11.30am. Fiona also runs regular classes at Westburn Church hall in Greenock and Old Gourock & Ashton Parish Church in Gourock.

More information on the sessions and on how to join is available by calling 07811766672.