WOMEN in Dorchester are desperately seeking men - to partner them at a tea dance.

The monthly Age Concern dance is seeking more men to accompany a growing number of female dancers as they waltz their way around the floor.

Former town mayor and tea dance founder John Antell says the dances, which take place on the last Monday of every month at the United Church hall, are well attended, but there is a shortage of chaps.

Mr Antell, 73, said: "The dances are great fun - we have live music for the foxtrot, the slosh, quickstep and the waltz.

"Everybody can join in and have a good time. We also have tea and cakes and people come along to have a chat."

Mr Antell said the dances, which were started five years ago when he was mayor, are very well attended but that the ladies always outnumber the gentlemen.

He said: "We definitely need more men. It's going very well and we're all quite happy but we'd always like more people.

"We hope it provides a social stimulus, especially for those living on their own. People come from all over the place - as far as Weymouth and Bridport - but we would like to encourage some older chaps to come along.

"Men don't seem to like coming on their own - the ones that do come are always with their wives, so we want to encourage the single men of Dorchester."

Mr Antell said anyone over 55 is welcome to go along to the dances, no matter how well they can dance.

He said: "We have people who come along just to sit and chat. It really doesn't matter whether you can dance or not.

"We're not a professional dance club - we just provide ordinary dances for ordinary people."

The next Dorchester Age Concern tea dance is from 2pm to 4pm on Monday, October 25 at the United Church, on South Street.

Admission is £1.90 and newcomers are invited just to turn up