It was like a scene from a Jane Austen novel as dancers in Regency costume kicked off the celebrations for the Chawton author’s 250th birthday.

The Jane Austen Birthday Ball at the Alton Assembly Rooms on Saturday night was a sell-out attracting the attention of the world’s media.

As well as the Alton Herald, international news agency Reuters and the BBC sent camera crews to cover the historic occasion. It will be broadcast on BBC Breakfast on January 28.

When the doors opened a large number of elegant ladies swept in accompanied by a smaller but enthusiastic group of dashing gentlemen.

Musicians playing instruments and tunes of the time provided the accompaniment, but for once the attention was on the floor rather than the stage as the guests were walked through the moves of each dance by a caller before doing it for real to music.

There was group dancing in circles, changing of partners, complex turning and hand clapping resembling the children’s game pat-a-cake as the full variety of Regency dancing was revealed.

After 90 minutes of movement the dancers took a break for a buffet supper and a chance to top up their drinks before taking the floor for another hour and a half to round off the evening in style.

One lady dancer said: “Nobody really knows what they’re doing but as long as we all go vaguely in the right direction and don’t trip each other up then it doesn’t matter. And my costume really helps me get into the character!”

Organiser Pat Lerew added: “I thought it went really well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and there was a brilliant atmosphere.

“The team are all volunteers and we don’t do it to make money, so I think that makes ours the friendly Jane Austen festival.”