Around 175 people whirled the afternoon away at a charity tea dance in Hackney last Wednesday.

Guests enjoyed tea, cakes and sandwiches while dancing along to old and new music as well as a live set from a steel band.

Former Dove model Irene Sinclair, 105, of Stoke Newington turned out to enjoy the inaugural event of community charity the East Community Foundation.

Ms Sinclair, who became a model for the beauty products company at the age of 96, said: “It’s wonderful. I really like the venue and the music. I moved to Hackney in 1971 so have a lot of friends here now. It’s great for us all to get together.”

Rosetta Burford, 94, of Hackney Wick said: “It’s a wonderful venue and great to meet new people. I can’t dance today because of my arthritis but it’s fun to watch everyone else.”

Another Hackney Wick resident Elizabeth Allinson added: “I’m having a great day, it’s not my first tea dance, but it’s one of the best.”

East End’s community foundation’s chief executive Tracey Walsh said: “It was wonderful to receive such a fantastic response from Hackney residents to our first event in the borough and we are sure there will be many more. In addition, we are excited about launching our grants programme in the New Year. This will be open to grass roots organisations to help the communities they serve. We look forward to building a fruitful and lasting relationship with the people of Hackney.”

The tea dance was held in association with charity Age UK East London and investment bank TD securities at Petchey Academy in Shacklewell Lane, Hackney Downs.