Val reigns as fitness queen at age 75

Turning 75 and after nearly four decades running a fitness class, you'd forgive Val Bannister for wanting to hang up her dancing shoes.

But the grandmother-of-seven from Bearwood, who celebrated her birthday yesterday says she has no intention of stepping down.

Every week about 20 women aged between 48 and 78 attend her exercise workshop Val's Keep Fit, dancing to music from artists including UB40, Rod Stewart and Robbie Williams. "We're like a big family," she said. "I love it and my ladies love it.

"If it was up to them I would carry on forever."

Mrs Bannister, who had a party with family and friends to celebrate her 75th birthday, was persuaded to begin the club in 1975 by her husband Don and friends who wanted somewhere where they could stay fit and socialise.

She had attended fitness classes previously and had experience doing dancing when she was younger.

The club has been based at its current venue in Wigorn Road, Bearwood, for more than three years but the classes originally started at St Gregory's Primary School in Park Road.

"I initially thought I would give it up when I reached 60," said the retired cashier from Bearwood Road, "but I didn't. Then I thought I would carry on until I'm 70. And now I'm 75 and still going strong."

Meeting every Tuesday from 8.15pm until 9.15pm, participants are put through a series of light workouts based on songs Mrs Bannister has heard on the radio. These include tracks from Take That, The Saturday's and music by Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald.

She said the decreased size of the club was the main change she had witnessed over the years saying some people had become too old to take part or had moved away.

Among those who attended Mrs Bannister's birthday celebrations last night was Pauline McCann, who had been a regular member of the classes until she moved to Valencia in Spain nine years ago.

She travels back to the UK around four times a year to see her family – making sure to stop by at the classes to catch up with friends.

"It feels like I never been away when I come here," said the 66-year-old who used to live in Halesowen.

"Val is so supportive."