KATHLEEN LLOYD throws herself into every Zumba class she takes.

She can shimmy and shake as well as the best of them considering she is the oldest member of the 180 Dance Club in Tyldesley.

The former pub landlady celebrated her 80th birthday on Monday and still attends two classes a week at the Elliott Street Club, where she has wowed her instructors with her enthusiasm and energy.

“She is an incredible lady,” said instructor Jane Taylor.

“She looks better than I do after a class and she never misses one – even when her husband was in hospital.”

Jane teaches Kath’s Friday morning Zumba class and last week they held a special birthday party for her where the tight-knit group enjoyed a well-earned coffee and cake in her honour.

“I come to Zumba because it’s good for the brain and it’s exercise,” said Kath.

“The girls are all great and there is a real social element to it.

“I have been coming for about two years and I never miss a class – I always make time for Zumba.”

Kath also celebrated her diamond wedding anniversary on April 17 with husband Brian, with whom she has three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“We are all going to go for meal together at Albert’s Shack on Saturday night to celebrate because my daughter was away last week,” she said.

Born and bred in Tyldesley, Kath and Brian, of Manchester Road, have run several pubs, including the Canal Duke on Stour Road.

Joanne Horrocks, joint owner of Dance 180, said: “She is fantastic. We did a charity Zumbathon a few years ago where everyone had to dance constantly for two hours.

“I was a bit worried about her but she was fine, she did the whole two hours as if it was nothing.”