The stone lions outside guard Victoria Hall, Saltaire, just as the Sphinx protects the ancient Egyptian Pyramids.

But it was the inside of the historic hall which took on an exotic Middle East flavour when veteran instructor Margaret Reddyhoff, pictured, put on an Arabic dance class for women.

Aged well into her 70s most people would forgive Margaret for putting her feet up and taking it easy but the thought never crosses her mind.

Instead she spends her days teaching five separate Arabic dancing classes with her latest demonstration one of 46 workshops offered at Shipley's 14th Day of Dance on Saturday.

She may keep her exact age a closely guarded secret but Margaret, who is also learning the Arabic language, hopes the fact she is still teaching dance at approaching 80 will inspire other older people to stay active.

The retired physiotherapist said: "Hopefully people will look at me and think 'if she can do it in her 70s then so can I'.''

Those signing up to get a taste of Arabic dancing ranged in age from late teens to 70s and got a chance to pick up tips on the very latest dance fashions and costumes thanks to Margaret's regular visits to Egypt where she learns from some of the world's top dancers.

Some looked slightly apprehensive as Margaret gave an introductory talk but soon forgot their nerves as they began moving with the music Egyptian style.

Although there were no bare midriffs in sight the uninitiated looking on may well have labelled what they saw as belly dancing but it is a term she prefers not to use.

She said: "It's a term which dilutes the idea of Arabic dancing and gives people the wrong impression - one of seedy cabarets and women probably not dancing very well. There's an awful lot more to it than just wiggling your belly as it really involves every part of the body.

"The music's amazing, it's something the women love doing and it helps release a lot Western inhibitions.''

Day of Dance organiser Lousie Eaton said: "The fact Margaret's still teaching at her age is incredible and just shows what dancing can do for you - she's a fabulous teacher, her classes are very popular and she's always full of enthusiasm.''