RETRO club night Kicking the Boogie premiered at the Battle of Britain Club in Hillingdon in November and was a rip-roaring success.

Co-founder Lisa Hooper, from Ickenham, said: "There is a big fifties scene here in Hillingdon but it was really only known to those that are into the music and clothes, so we thought it would be a great idea to raise the profile.

"This isn't any old rock 'n' roll night its not about the sideburns, it's vintage."

Lisa, who teaches music and drama at The Douay Martyrs School in Ickenham, set up the event with Harefield estate agent Lauren Oliver, and Patsy Hughes, a builder from Camberley in Surrey, after they met at a jive class in Ruislip.

Known on the scene as a feeder club, Live2Jive teaches the fundamental steps to prepare people to move on to specialist nightclubs catering to this style of dance.

"We felt there was a gap in the market for a club in Hillingdon and that it would be good fun to try our hand at running our own," said Lisa.

"We were extremely nervous, but it turned out to be a fantastic success. Over 150 customers came through the door on the first night.

"This was repeated in January. It was the snowiest Saturday ever, but still they came."

Word spread fast and people have travelled from as far away as Wales to spend a night rocking and bopping, with the most recent event, on February 15, the biggest to date.

"It's really taken off. We are the main topic within the rock 'n' roll community at the moment as the new kid on the block."

Lisa hopes the night will attract a younger crowd and insists you don't have to have been there the first time round to enjoy the music.

"A lot of young people are now into the scene and it is going through quite a revival.

"We recently held a 1950s-themed party for an 18 year old. She was very nervous, but 200 guests turned up that would usually have gone to a local night club.

"They wouldn't leave. They fell in love with the era and the dancing. Alternative music was offered but they preferred the fifties music.

"Kids from Bishophalt, Vyners and Douays Martyrs were there. One said it was the first time he had seen an 18th birthday party where no one stood outside smoking and drinking, as everyone was going for it on the dance floor. It was hilarious."

Lisa said some of the youngsters have now joined Live2Jive, held at Ruislip Manor Football Club on Thursdays.

"There are some spectacular dancers out there that take your breath away. Some of them are extremely young, which proves the scene is filtering down to today's youth."

And the fun doesn't stop with the dancing.

"Both men and women dress to impress in the best vintage wear around," said Lisa.

"Whether its a white T-shirt and jeans vintage Levis of course or a 1940s wiggle dress, everyone goes all out to look good."

Stalls selling vintage hair flowers, handbags, jewellery and clothes are dotted around the dance floor to add to the atmosphere.

"Their products are fabulous and some are hand-made and very much in demand," said Lisa.

Rhythm 'n' blues, rock 'n' roll, jivers, strollers and boppers from the 40s and 50s are provided by specialist DJs Jumpin' Jim and the Vintage Record Player, Lee Holt.

"They're the best around," said Lisa.

"The whole atmosphere is extremely party-like. It reminds me of New Years Eve.

"No one stands around. Everyone's on the dance floor, it's never empty and, even if you can't dance, everyone has a go."

Age is left at the door at Kicking the Boogie, with people aged 18 to 70 turning up to enjoy the retro offerings.

"People can come along and see if they like it," said Lisa. "We can put them in touch with classes that we all still attend, so they will be among friends.

"Or they are welcome to come and just enjoy the atmosphere."

Following the events success, the trio set up a sister night in Camberley, called Bopping the Boogie.

They have also been offered venues in Denham and Watford, and they also hope to start a Sunday afternoon tea dance and jive club.

"It beats aerobics," said Lisa.

* Kicking the Boogie is on the third Friday of every month at the Battle of Britain Club in Hillingdon Road, Uxbridge. The next event is on March 22. Entry costs s7, for an 8pm start.