CENTENARIANS showed off their dance moves at a special tea party for Southend residents aged 100 and above.

Cavell Lodge, a care home in Leigh, played host to its annual Centenarian Tea Party, which was staged for the first time since the death of its founder, Sir David Amess. 

Anna Firth, who succeeded Sir David as Southend West MP, organised this year’s get-together which was staged on Sunday. 

Some of the centenarians even showed off their dances moves to some songs played by the founder of The Music Man Project, David Stanley.

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It was the first time the tea party had been held since the pandemic and saw the centenarians discuss their top tips for a long and happy life. 

Ms Firth said: “I am so honoured to have hosted the Centenarian Tea Party, which was first started by my predecessor, the late Sir David Amess.

“This year’s tea party was an absolute success.

“The centenarians really enjoyed themselves and were able to meet other residents in Southend who have achieved the same feat.

“It was fascinating to hear the stories from our centenarians, what they did during the war, and their tips for a long life.

“Thank you to the Leigh Lions, Royal British Legion, Westcliff High Schools, and David Stanley for making this event such a great success.”

Ms Firth spent time talking to some of the centenarians, asking about their lives and experiences during the war. 

She was told some of the secrets to a long-life is “lots of fruit and veg - especially spinach”, cold tea, and “having a good laugh”.

The Southend West MP added some centenarians spoke about how they made lifelong friends during the war.

She added: “It was good to meet local care home managers today at Cavell Lodge Residential Care Home, where we discussed issues currently facing the sector.

“I also want to thank everyone who works so hard to give our elderly people across Southend, such a good quality of life.”