A KINGSWINFORD keep-fit tutor admitted there were tears shed – as well as sweat – as she hung up her leotard at the age of 82 after almost half a century of teaching classes.

Jean Hughes started her keep-fit classes for women 46 years ago but conducted her final warm-down this week at her three weekly sessions in Wordsley.

She said: “There were a lot of tears. I’ve still got some people in my class who were there when it started 46 years ago. A lot of friendships have been made.

“This week has been difficult – to do the classes but keep control. I know my ladies have been upset that I’m retiring and I am too.

“A lot of people have tried to persuade me to carry on. It’s not been an easy decision to hang my leotard up but it’s about time I had a bit of ‘me’ time! All good things come to an end.”

In recent times, Jean has led three weekly classes – two at Wordsley Community Centre in Wordsley Green and one at Richardson Hall on Lawnswood Road – but she used to run as many as ten a week.

She has run classes in other areas including Kingswinford, Pensnett, Amblecote, and wanted to thank her loyal fitness followers, who numbered 90 on her register before her retirement.

Jean added: “Some people have been with me a long time, some have left the area and come back but they have all been very faithful and very dedicated.

“And at times they have helped me out as much as I have helped them – I lost my husband two years ago and have also lost two brothers and two sisters, and the people in my classes have been there for me.”

Jean was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2013 for services to the community and her classes and charity drives have raised more than £129,000 for good causes over the past half-century.

The popularity of Jean’s sessions is exemplified by Ann Bedworth, a long-time class member who moved away to live in Shropshire for a while but still came back twice a week to attend the classes.

Ann said: “Jean is a very good instructor and I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed her classes. She makes them so welcoming and friendly.

“There are people in the group who have hip operations, knee operations and they have been back with us in three or four weeks – because we’re all so supple thanks to Jean’s classes!

“I was in my 20s when I started coming to the classes and I’m 74 now! It’s been a wonderful thing to be a part of and I’m very sad to see it end.”