LINE dancing, short-mat bowls, painting and archery were on offer at a festival for older people, this time last year.

Those who are retired or semi-retired were invited to the University of Worcester’s Riverside Centre for The Active Age Festival to try out some of the activities available for older people across the county.

The festival began in 2012 as part of the Community Games being run with the London Olympics to offer free taster sessions for activities that were safe, fun and easy to do for all ages and abilities.

Last year was the sixth event of its kind, organised by Age UK with the University of Worcester and the Worcester branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A).

Bronwen Fragiotta, from Age UK, said: “We wanted to promote active ageing which we really believe in. It means staying active when you are older and not giving up. It’s so much better for the long term.”