One of the island’s longest running dance groups is celebrating a landmark year.

The Onchan Entertainers dance troupe this week marked its 40th birthday, having first displayed the village’s talents in 1978.

The troupe celebrated its birthday with a party at Onchan Community Centre for all past and present members where old photographs and dresses were on display.

Head trainer Doreen Callister, who has been with the group since the beginning, was presented with a silver salver by the chairman of Onchan Commissioners Martin MacFarlane to commemorate her 40 years volunteering with the troupe.

She said: ’I was shocked and delighted, it was very unexpected. I’m just pleased it was so well attended.’

Mrs Callister said that, while the music and the dresses may have changed with the times, the core values are the same.

’The girls learn teamwork, respect and they make friends with each other and we encourage them all how to raise their self esteem,’ she added.

Her daughter, Wendy Oliver, attended the troupe as a girl.

She said: ’It instils a real sense of community. All sorts of girls come through - the shy, quiet girls and the confident girls.

’They all work so hard together with the trainers and are a real team.’

Mrs Callister and her fellow trainers Laura Marsland and Mel Nichol, who are all volunteers, try to keep costs as low as possible.

Along with the committee and the parents raise funds for the troupe.

Miss Marsland said: ’I just want to say a big thank you to Doreen and Mel and all of the committee who work hard behind the scenes to make it successful.’

Onchan Entertainers will be performing at Onchan School fair, Onchan Village Fair and Douglas Carnival before the summer break.

The troupe will start up again after the summer holidays, for more information, search Onchan Entertainers on Facebook.