PENSIONERS Eileen Greenhalgh and Alan Hawthornthwaite have proven that you are never too old to dance — or find love.

The couple, aged 82 and 78 respectively, are engaged to be married — but before they discuss any wedding plans they are aiming to dance their way to a top award together.

It was dancing that first brought them together after they met at a class in Horwich, before they both moved to train at the Touch of Class studio in Little Lever.

During their time at the class that they moved from being partners on the dance floor to partners in life and are now engaged.

The couple are both widowed and each has grown up children.

Mr Hawthornthwaite, who lives in Lynwood Close in Darwen, said: “A friend actually introduced the two of us about three years ago and we danced together at a class at Horwich Leisure Centre, but Eileen already attended A Touch of Class so I came and joined her.

“We were just dance partners at first but we got engaged about 18 months ago— I think if you are in love with the person that you are dancing with it makes you better on the dancefloor."

Mrs Greenhalgh said: “We have both been dancing since we were teenagers — I like a man who can dance.

“Last year I decided I wanted to go for these dancing medals and we already have achieved the bronze and silver awards with honours.

“Now we are going for gold. It is very strictly marked but we believe we can do it.”

The dancing duo will be tested on their skills at four separate dances including the waltz, the quickstep, the foxtrot and the tango.

The awards are accredited by the International Dance Teachers' Association and an external examiner will analyse their steps when they perform at A Touch of Class at the end of the month.

Their teacher at the studio, Teresa Croasdale, said: “I’m sure that they will do well and I think the fact they are together can really help.

“Eileen has been coming to my class for about 12 years and Alan joined about three years ago.

"I think we could tell when they got together because it showed in their dancing.

“Eileen has found a man who can lead her — I wish them both all the best for the examination.”