A former Gravesend woman is trying to track down a childhood friend and dance partner with whom she once scooped a Kent County Championship dance competition.

Doreen Cureton, nee Alford, now lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, but is hoping to find her old Gravesend friend Ann Bailey, who used to live in Milton Road.

The pair haven't seen each other in 60 years, but Doreen still has strong memories of when they swept aside the competition at a county dance contest in 1960.

With Doreen then aged 12 and Ann a year younger, the pair attended Mrs Capon Dance School in Swanscombe, and although they came sixth in their first competition, they soon stepped up another level.

"Then Mrs Capon entered us for the Kent County Championship," added Mrs Cureton. "Our mums worked hard to make us matching dresses. Then the day arrived – we had no nerves just excitement as we went through each round."

She recalled there were three rounds before the final, and added: "When the Junior section announcement came I never heard who had won, then someone pushed me forward and said 'it's you and Ann'.

"Ann skipped on to the centre of the floor and did this big graceful turn and curtsy. Then we walked up to the stage to take the cup and as we took hold of it the bottom fell of and rolled across the room. We giggled while someone chased after the base, and if you look closely to the picture I am clasping the cup tight to me, and Ann has her hand on the handle."

Doreen added that it was "a night to remember."

Anyone with any information that can help reunite the old friends should call Doreen and husband Jimmy on 01226 243919.

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