NOTHING says country quite like line dancing, and classes of this country western style have started up again this year in Warwick and Allora.

Instructor Jenny Heffernan first started line dancing 26 years ago, and has been teaching herself for two decades.

"I had only done the average style of dancing as a teenager and started out as a beginner in line dancing," Mrs Heffernan said.

"It is an obsession with some people, they just want to learn more and more.

"I know I'm addicted - if I hear a new piece of music just want to learn a dance to it."

Mrs Heffernan welcomed her first classes for the year yesterday at St Mark's Hall in Warwick.

"I have beginner classes at the start of every year and I would encourage anyone looking to join to begin at the start of the year," she said.

"It makes it a bit harder to catch up if you're starting half way through the year.

"When you start out you start out with your basic steps.

"Once you get through to intermediate and advanced the steps become a little bit harder but you do advance through and they get easier as you learn more."

Despite having its roots in country western, Mrs Heffernan said she used anything but old-style country music in her classes.

"We have a good variety of music," she said.

"We have bit of rock 'n' roll and country rock, and a fair bit of modern music, 50s and 60s, Latin cha cha and waltzes.

"It's a great form of exercise and very relaxing - it's good for the mind and good for the body.

"We always have a good time and there's no intimidation or judgement because even though we're doing the same steps, we all do them in our own style."

Mrs Heffernan said men and women of all ages are welcome to join the classes, all that is required is a pair of shoes with smooth soles, not joggers.

The hour-long classes are held at St Mark's Hall on Mondays from 1-3pm and Thursday between 6-9.30pm starting February 1 and at Allora Sports Centre on Tuesdays from 6.30-8.30pm starting February 9.

For more information, phone Jenny on 4661 2448 or 0437 009 906.