A pioneering ballet school in West Dorset celebrated its fifth birthday with a colourful tea party.

The event, which marked five years since My Ballet was founded, also raised more than £200 for Macmillan Nurses. It was held in the ballroom at The Bull Hotel in Bridport.

The school, run by Carla Steenkamp Sheills, specialises in class for all abilities and ages, from 18 to 80+.

Carla said: "At the start of My Ballet, people were very sceptical about ballet for older beginners, especially in rural Dorset. But these have been 5 golden years of enthusiastic ladies learning classical ballet. Ballet is not a soft option, it is a tough workout! It is a privilege to teach every participant and we are delighted at the achievement individually and collectively."

A short film of My Ballet was made in collaboration with Justin Owen, a Bridport filmmaker, some years ago. The four minute film went viral and has since reached over seven million people across the world.

For more information about My Ballet school, which runs classes in Bridport, Crewkerne and Winsham, visit the website or find the school on Facebook.