Fitness-fanatical senior citizens are a step closer to a £2,000 prize, having made it through to the final of a national competition.

Members of Fit@Sixty have qualified for the last three of the National Lottery Good Causes Award, beating more than 640 entries from around the country to the final in the best sporting project category.

The group has around 130 members, some aged more than 90, who take part in one of the 17 classes the scheme offers each week at Tavistock Court, Bedford.

They now need to get as many votes as possible to win the £2,000 grant, which will be used to expand their club.

Fit@Sixty member Winn Thompson, 78, who suffers from arthritis, said: "Fit@Sixty has changed my life completely. I have something to look forward to every week, it helps my legs and I have far more friends than I have ever had.

"As a result of line dancing, I have also been able to go on holiday with a great crowd and meet people from all over the country.

"Although my health is not as good as it could be, I am sure that I would not be able to get around as well as I do if I did not dance."

The scheme, started four years ago by Janet Cook, a housing warden for Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association, allows elderly residents to learn new skills and take part in activities like line dancing, curling and bowls plus arts and crafts.

Mrs Cook said: "Fit@Sixty aims to encourage older people in Bedford to participate in leisure activities, subsequently improving their health and sense of wellbeing."

To vote for the Fit@Sixty project, go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or call 0845 3868 126.