AN inspirational Thurrock woman who will be remembered by generations of borough schoolchildren is still showing her athletic prowess at the grand old age of 97.

Josie Allsop, who lives at Elizabeth House in Stifford Clays, Grays, is a regular at a number of fitness groups in the area, including Pilates and Zumba, and she loves to step in tune with celebrated songs at Chadwell WMC as a member of the Step'n'Smile fitness and well-being group where she is not only popular, but leads the way in fitness and agility! She's known as 'The Queen of Step' by members.

Often accompanied by her daughter Adele, Josie takes centre stage in responding to the music and dances put on by the club organisers Sarah & Ronnie.

She told Nub News that her fitness activities keep her happy and smiling – and fit enough to enjoy life to the full – she returned only last week from a cruise!

Fitness has been a way of life for decades for Josie who was a sports and fitness coach at both William Edwards secondary and Quarry Hill junior schools.

She remains incredibly active and used to drive herself until a couple of months ago. It wasn't her that gave up on driving though, it was her car as it started costing too much for repairs.

Josie is also a helpful neighbour to residents at Elizabeth Gardens taking on the watering and other gardening tasks for people, many of whom are much younger than she is.