A pair of Hackney pensioners and their performance group have become the stars of the Seychelles International Carnival.
David Grant, 80 and Christina Oree, 75, of Cranwich Road, Stamford Hill, are part of Beeraahaar Sweet Combination which travelled to the islands last week for the festival, together with the Notting Hill Carnival Roadshow.
For the second year running the roadshow was named best international presentation at the event.
Ms Oree said: “It was fantastic. Everything was laid on for us and we stayed in a great hotel.
“There were all nationalities there, including Indian, African and Caribbean. It’s a bit like Notting Hill, but the fact it’s on a small island makes it feel immense.”
The troupe, which included Ms Oree’s granddaughters Rohana McDonald-Sheikh and Nadira Oree-Sheikh, even appeared on Seychelles TV at the opening of the Kempinski Hotel.
Claire Holder, organiser of the Notting Hill Carnival, said “I am so proud of them. Their energy and dedication are an example to young people.
“They emphasise that culture is important to all our lives.”
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