The Afternoon Tea Dance has become a tradition on South Parade Pier, Southsea, for the past quarter of a century.

But it came to an end on Wednesday because a broken heating system means it is too cold for the elderly dancers to carry on.

More than 100 men and women packed into the Gaiety Bar for the final event and as the afternoon drew to a close, many were unable to hide their feelings.

Betty Kripe, 86, of Palmerston Road, Southsea, said: 'I'm going to miss the dance at the pier so much.

'I'm going to have a little weep when I get home.

'I don't think I can carry on going. It's too far for me and difficult to get to. I shall have to find another interest.

'I'm not going to look forward to Wednesday afternoons any more though. I'll be lost without this.'

Rita and John Young from Southsea have been coming to the dance on the pier for more than 20 years.

Mrs Young, 69, said: 'It's so sad that we have to move. We've made a lot of friends here and the atmosphere is just lovely.'

Mr Young, 78, added: 'Nowhere else is ever going to be able to compare.'

As reported in The News earlier this week, the tea dance is leaving the pier because the heating has broken down.

For the past month the dancers have been waltzing in their coats and scarves.

And with the majority of people being elderly, the organisers of the dance decided they had to move for the sake of their health

A special last song, Auld Lang Syne, was played which saw a crowd of people take to the dancefloor.

Some cheered, while others found the occasion just too emotional and stood at the sidelines crying.

Organiser Steve Kingsley said: 'It was a fantastic afternoon, everyone enjoyed themselves.

'People are sad but the tea dance will carry on at a new home. We hope it will be just as popular.'