Strictly novices step up to the challenge

David Whaley, Jenny McDermott, John Ainley, Sean Madden, Rachel Almond, Veronica Walsh and Brian Hurst

A determined group of novice dancers from the Rachel Almond Dance Academy in Castleton are hoping to quickstep, waltz and foxtrot its way to success in Oldham’s answer to Strictly Come Dancing - all in aid of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Strictly Kershaw’s will see a seven-strong group entertain guests with its newly-learned ballroom skills during a glamorous evening of fund-raising for the Royton hospice.

Volunteers have already stared to learn their samba, rumba and waltz steps ahead of the big night at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 16 October.

Looking to take home the glitterball trophy will be John Ainley of North Ainley Solicitors; hairdresser Jenny McDermott; former hospice fund-raiser Brian Hurst; Veronica Walsh of Luan Matthews boutique; Richard Bartlett of Saddleworth Rotary Club; Denise Mellor... and the Chronicle’s managing editor David Whaley.

Angela Higham, of Dr Kershaw’s, said: “When we decided to take this on we thought it would only be a little event with 200 people attending, now it’s going to be at least twice as big.

“We couldn’t do it without Rachel Almond Dance Academy and Madd for Dance as well as our volunteer dancers — all of them are kindly giving up their own time. We are all very excited — hopefully it can be an annual event.”