A church hall that hosts a dance group with members in their 90s has entered the Evening Post's Building Healthy Communities competition to make the floor safer for them.

The Brislington United Reformed Church is used for activities by lots of different groups, from scouts and brownies to a gardeners' club.

It is also used by a senior citizens' tea dancing group.

Raphael Scudamore, a member of the church for more than 30 years and the hall's secretary, said: "There are 45 members between 70 and 94 years of age, and they use the tea dancing group as a keep-fit activity.

"It is their big social thing, and many of them would lead teenagers in a merry dance.

"Our hall is one of the only places left in the area big enough for this activity, but it badly needs some wooden blocks to be relaid and the floor sanded to remove the risk of tripping in the uneven areas.

"The younger groups play table tennis and floor ball games, but again the surface is a hindrance to movement, as falls lead to splinters with their own problems."

Mr Scudamore, 69, a retired builders' merchant from Grove Park Avenue, said the floor was long in need of an overhaul.

He said: "The floor was laid when the church was built in 1902. A few years ago the scouts had a go at sanding it down, but it has got worse as it has an awful lot of wear.

"With the senior citizens and their dance club, it can be dangerous for them.

"We would love the floor to be repaired so that everyone can use it safely."

The Evening Post's Building Healthy Communities competition, sponsored by Leadbitter, gives community groups and schools the chance to win a share of £16,000 for improvements.

Leadbitter regional director Rob Bradley said: "Places like the Brislington United Reformed Church hall can provide fantastic space for people to enjoy themselves, .

"It is wonderful that groups with members in their 90s get together and enjoy dancing, but they need to do so in a safe environment."

He added: "We wish them the very best of luck for the competition, and hope they are still dancing for years to come."

The competition is being run in two stages.

The first, running until August, will be for everyone from community groups to sports clubs and fitness groups, while the second, running in January next year, will be for schools of all ages.

This time there are three prizes for each of the two competitions, worth £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000.

The only condition is that the project must involve activities promoting healthy living, and that the building work can be carried out within a day.

So whether you are a sports club in need of new showers, a fitness group wanting hand rails to help the elderly or a community group wanting a lick of paint on your dance hall walls, you can apply for a share of the prize money.