For many of those now living in Dumbarton’s care homes, “nights at the dancing” are among their fondest memories.

Dressing up and heading to the local community hall with friends was a popular night out in the 1940s and 1950s for those keen to take to the floor and dance to the music.

Now, thanks to a team of dedicated dancers, care home residents are being transported back in time to the places where they spent many a great night – the place where many even met their future spouses.

Professional dancer Paul McKenzie, 56, runs the Boogie Box Jive classes in Dumbarton, teaching people of all ages the moves to that era’s best rock n’ roll.

With over 40 years of experience and a number of Scottish, British and European Championship victories to his name, Paul’s classes have proved popular since being set up in the Dumbarton Masonic Hall 20 years ago.

Boogie Box Jive group

Over the years they have staged a number of events which have raised thousands for charities, including Erskine and Vale of Leven Autism and Asperger’s Forum (VOLAAF).

Their most recent charity dance raised more than £5000 for the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Now, alongside his team of dancers, aged between 18 and 75, they have boogied their way around three of the area’s care homes, including Strathleven House, Castleview Care Home and Crosslet House.

Using their skills taught by Paul – who was a British jive dance champion for 10 years in a row – the group have helped get elderly residents dressed up and on the dance floor again.

Paul said: “Over the past few weeks we have been to a number of homes across Dumbarton and it has been fantastic.

“We go in and play music from the 40s and 50s and get the residents involved.

“It’s great as it gets them reminiscing about their past, the times when they used to go out dancing.

“For some of them it was a huge part of their lives and it’s great to be a part of that – it’s a lovely feeling for us.

“Seeing residents enjoy the music and get up for a dance makes it all worth while for us.

“Even residents who aren’t fit enough to get up like to just sit and hold your hand and talk about the old days.

Boogie Box Jive group

“The dancers from my classes love coming along to help out. We couldn’t do it without them.

“We have a mixed group of ages who come along so it’s nice for them to all mix together.”

Staff at the care homes notice a big difference in residents who take part.

And while they say it offers them a chance to reminisce about the “good old days”, it is also beneficial to their health and allows them to keep active.

A council spokeswoman said: “Dancing is a great way to increase mobility, improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength and keep joints supple.

“Building strength and increasing flexibility and balance can also reduce the risk of falls in older people.

“We are delighted to bring this fun activity to Crosslet House and it was great to see how much the residents enjoyed both the dancing and the music.”

There are already more sessions on the cards at Crosslet House, with residents keen to get back on the dance floor.

She added: “We were so happy to work with Paul to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and Day Service visitors at Crosslet House.

“Following on from this successful event we have planned more sessions in the coming months.”