Line dancing fans are heel stepping and side shuffling in the fresh air after Covid restrictions were eased to allow outdoor fitness classes.

M4 Stompers teacher Alison Green, moved her dance sessions online when lockdown hit last year so she is relieved they can kick off again, even if it has to be outdoors for the moment.

Alison said: “We have really suffered in this third lockdown so it’s more important to get out and dance, it’s wonderful for everyone.”

“We never expected to be here again but I wanted to reach as many people as possible so I’ve been doing the dance classes online.”

Fitness classes can now take place in outdoor public spaces but only six people are allowed on driveways. And this week Alison will start dancing again at care homes, with Edgehill in Liden first on the list. 

Her class now uses the Eldene play area on Monday and Friday mornings, Wroughton car park on Wednesday evenings and occasionally Royal Wootton Bassett car park on a Sunday afternoon.

Dancer Gail Collins, from Eldene, said: “We have kept our distance and danced on through the weather. I love it for the exercise and the company. We’re such a lovely bunch you’re made to feel really welcome. I actually prefer it outdoors because there is more space and children come and dance with us too. It’s been really great for my mental health as well. We have been doing it online in our living rooms but it’s hard to follow it.”

The dance group will continue to exercise outdoors until restrictions are loosened further. Indoor exercising is set to reopen on May 17 and Alison is waiting to hear which venues have survived and will be available. 

Dancer Maria Dobson added: “I’ve been missing it because it’s like a little family and we’re all about having fun. Who doesn’t get happy when they hear a bit of music? It’s been brilliant and so nice to be back.”

Kim Clelland, from Chiseldon, said: “To be actually able to meet some like-minded people it’s such a help for a lot of us, not just mentally but physically. You feel better for it. Ali has been an incredible support and so upbeat about all of it.

For the last 12 months, it’s been an unknown territory for so many people so this has been an emotional lifesaver.”

Member for six years, Carole Henshaw, said: “We absolutely love outside dancing. We have tried to keep the group going. The social side is the best as there is a big group of us doing the dancing in various areas. All I can say is it’s wonderful to get going again. We all appreciate Ali’s effort to keep the dances going.”

Fellow member Sue Goodwin said: “It’s been horrible for everyone but Ali is so patient and goes through everything from the beginning for everyone to follow. It’s not quite the same on your own but there is only so much exercise you can do in the park so this has opened up a new world for us. 

“Not having it was like losing a limb as it’s helped me through a difficult time and we get used to the routines with Ali bringing back some dances we did a long time so it’s been nice to get back to some normality. ”