Dancing grans show they've got X-factor

Pauline Gould, and twins Kathleen Morgan Cresswell and Irene Cottam - aka the Brunswick Belles - performed the Charleston in the charity ExtraCare Charitable Trust's 'Xtra Factor' challenge.

They took second prize in the competition which celebrated the talents of 168 residents and friends involved with the charity's 27 care homes and villages across the country.

The Belles entered the contest after they joined a Friends Club for Brunswick Gardens Village, the 24 million Woodhouse retirement scheme being opened early next year by ExtraCare, Sheffield Council and Arena Housing Group.

Former cleaner Pauline, aged 68, masterminded the Belles' five-minute routine and roped in Kathleen and Irene, who are 60.

Kathleen said: "Me and my sister used to like rock and rolling. We all learnt the twist, Elvis was our heartthrob. We thought we'd give the competition a go."

The Belles were joined on stage by The Brunswick Village People - 13 village friends from Sheffield who formed a choir especially for the competition.

Village manager Lance Bosmans said: "At Brunswick Gardens we want to create a village community that celebrates older people's talents and interests.

"With six months to go before the village is finished this community is already well ahead."

ExtraCare needs 2.6 million of charitable funds to equip 15 health leisure facilities at Brunswick Gardens Village, including a village hall, caf, gym craft room and IT centre.

A Great Big All Sheffield Quiz is being planned as the next fundraiser. For more information or to register a team log on to www.thegreatbigallsheffieldquiz.com or call 0114 229 3073.