A FITNESS instructor has an even bigger spring in her step after being awarded a New Year honour.

Joan Haxby, 83, of Rollo Road, Hextable near Dartford, has been made an MBE for services to the physical fitness industry.

She joins two other unsung heroes from the town, who also became MBEs.

The sprightly pensioner may be a busy grandmother of seven, but has spent half her life running keep fit and dance classes.

She started her first classes more than 40 years ago and still takes regular, weekly sessions in Orpington and Welling.

Mrs Haxby also trained her pupils to put on performances for charity and has herself performed with the Keep Fit Association at the Royal Albert Hall.

She said: “I started doing keep fit as a hobby when I was 17. I used to teach about eight classes a week, but I’ve had to slow down a bit since then.

“I’m absolutely stunned to receive the award.”