PENSIONERS across Lancashire are set for an eyeful of Eastern promise after a charity announced it was to swap tea dances for belly dances.

Age Concern in the county is to introduce lessons in the ancient art of oriental hip-swaying as part of a health promotion drive.

Doctors say belly dancing has proven health benefits for the older generation and can help with conditions like arthritis and heart problems -- though the sight of scantily-clad women might be more likely to raise the blood pressure.

So now a group of the hip-swivelling girls are planning to travel the county to show off their Turkish delights -- and the scheme could be rolled out across the country if it proves a success.

The girls, named the Desert Roses, based in Blackburn, tried out their moves ahead of the opening of a new Age Concern shop in Fleetwood last week, complete with the original seven veils and a group of feather girls dressed as cats.

Tracey McNamara, of Age Concern Lancashire, said the scheme was all part of improving the quality of life of pensioners in the county.

She said: "We are aiming to promote the benefits of belly dancing for the health of pensioners. It can help with circulation and balance and some doctors even say it can help people live longer.

"As well as the health aspect it's also about having fun. Lots of people are living longer and we do our best to help them maintain an active social life and prevent them becoming isolated socially. Age Concern's motto is "Making More of Life" and that's exactly what we are trying to achieve."

She added: "It shouldn't raise the blood pressure of the men too much. In fact belly dancing has been shown to reduce stress. We will certainly be urging men as well as the women to give it a try."

The benefits of belly dancing were proven by super slimmer Amanda Barnes, 39, of Whalley New Road, Wilpshire, near Blackburn, who lost three stones after taking up the activity. Mum-of-four Amanda, an administrator at Springfield Nursing Home, Blackburn, attended classes at the Dance and Performing Arts Centre (DAPA) in Eanam Wharf, Blackburn, where she passed a bronze and silver exam in it.

She joined the rest of the girls from the centre for the demonstration in Fleetwood and the centre is one of the places Age Concern are urging pensioners to go if they want to take up belly dancing lessons.

If anyone is interested in learning how to belly dance they should contact DAPA on 01254 699221.