Dancer Doreen Matthews treated to modern moves

Doreen Matthews 87, who lives at St Fillans care centre, in Colchester, trained in London and Middlesex, and began dancing professionally at the age of just 14 and became a professional choreographer aged 22.

Aged 12, Doreen joined a dancing school and together with five other pupils became ‘The Westway super six’ song and dance group, later known as ‘The Vocalettes’ when two of the girls left the group.

The girls received many rave reviews over their ten-year career, travelling all over the UK as well as abroad, including Egypt and Jersey, and with the comedienne Ethel Revnell, in Germany and Malta, where they entertained British Troops.

During their career, the girls worked alongside some of the big names of the time including Harry Secombe, Tommy Trinder, Frankie Howerd, Sandy Powell, Charlie Chester and Val Doonican.

In her later years, she choreographed for the Colchester, Clacton and Ipswich operatic and dramatic societies.

Mrs Matthews' wish to see a modern performance came true thanks to Jenny Overton, who runs the Colne Bank School of Dance.

More than 40 people watched on are the care home alongside Doreen and her family.

The afternoon was spent reminiscing about the past.