Elderly residents in Bushey are elated at news a series of popular activity sessions earmarked for closure will be saved.

Age UK announced in March it would cancelling the weekly meetings, held at Bushey Golf and Country Club, in High Street, in the wake of a 25 per cent budget cut from Hertfordshire County Council.

Anita Gamble and Roger Kutchinsky, both Bushey councillors at the time, stepped in to try and save the sessions, which attract up to 40 people every week.

And last week, their application for £1,800, taken from the councillors' ward improvement initiative scheme, was approved by Hertsmere Borough Council.

Mrs Gamble said: "I am really delighted. I couldn't believe it when they said it would be closing - it was all going so swimmingly. We knew we wanted to step in but we needed some set-up money and we have that now."

A committee of eight, made up of previous members, has been created to organise the sessions, which include guest speakers, bingo, exercise and dance classes and a monthly raffle.

Age UK will cover the cost of hiring the hall until August, and the committee is due to take over the management in July.

Chairman Pat Dawes, of Mill Way, who has been attending the sessions since they started more than five years ago, said: "It is an exciting prospect. We were all very low when we heard the meetings would be axed. For many people it is their only chance to get out and meet people and we all enjoy each other's company."

The cash will pay for hall rental and, with a small contribution from those who attend, the committee believes the sessions are secure for the short term at least.

Ms Dawes added: "The money means we have prevented the disappointment of a lot of people. It will mean a great deal to the elderly residents of Bushey."