SHE has been described as 'superwoman' and is superfit, strong and slender.

Active and athletic, Nancy Shutt likes to join her friends down the gym several times a week for a good work-out.

But despite being 84 there are no signs of arthritis, rheumatism or lumbago in her body. It was only a few years ago that she was forced to give up disco dancing, for which she won medals, after suffering a minor stroke.

Nancy was 62 when she decided it was about time she did a bit of body maintenance and although she is the oldest in her group of friends, there are others attending the same gym who are in their seventies.

Lynne Roberts, owner of the Trim 'n' Slim gym, in St James Street, Burnley, said: "Nancy is definitely the oldest and has been coming to the gym for over 20 years.

"They are a super lot, absolutely wonderful and quite a few of them are in their seventies. The two youngest ladies in that particular group are over 60. Nancy is in remarkable shape."

Nancy goes to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, having warmed up beforehand with l5 minutes on her exercise bike at home. On Tuesdays she winds down by painting in oils at Padiham. Originally she favoured landscapes but now likes painting animals. She has also done a portrait of Elizabeth I as an l8-year-old.

"I don't know why I chose to paint her, something drew me to her. My painting was based on a portrait of her when she was only l8. It was a challenge to do her wonderful gown and all her jewellery."

The portrait of the Tudor queen and one of a kitten both go on display at the Rawtenstall museum next month.

Widowed for 12 years, she says she occupies her weekends gardening, catching up on letter-writing and other jobs. There are no signs of arthritis, rheumatism or lumbago and she seldom needs the doctor.

"I believe in looking after myself," she said.

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