DANCERS will be turning their two left feet into twinkle toes while raising money for a good cause.

Bolton Hospice has launched its Strictly Learn to Dance appeal for 2013, which will see 10 men and 10 women trained by professional tutors.

Among them will be The Bolton News’ entertainment correspondent Melanie Wallwork, who will be donning her best ball gown in a bid to beat off stiff competition from other entrants.

The Bolton News will be following her progress as she trains.

Inspired by popular BBC1 series Strictly Come Dancing, wannabe Alesha Dixons and Harry Judds will train at Sandham’s Dance Studios in Peel Street, Farnworth, for 10 weeks.

It will culminate in a grand finale performance in front of 400 people at The Last Drop Village, Bromley Cross, on Saturday, April 20.

Events manager Maria Passarello, from Bolton Hospice, said: “We are hoping that this event will be a great success and lots of fun.

“We know it is a lot of people’s guilty pleasure to dance and the opportunity to learn professionally is fantastic whilst raising money for a worthy cause.”

Contestants of all ages are being invited to take part, for a variety of reasons — from raising money for the hospice in memory of a loved one to shedding a few post- Christmas pounds or just to have fun.

Experienced teachers from Sandham’s will provide free weekly lessons for willing participants, in a bid to transform them into confident dancers by the time of the final.

The hospice’s chief executive, Leigh Vallance, along with Cllr Andy Morgan, a hospice trustee, are among the first to take up the challenge and are appealing for others to join them.

Cllr Morgan said: “Strictly Come Dancing is very popular on the TV and we thought if they can do it, so can we in Bolton.

“It should be great fun, and it will help those taking part get fitter while raising some vitally-needed funds for the hospice.”

The services of a hairdresser and beautician are also needed to give the contestants a makeover for their big night and that all important Strictlystyle glowing tan.

Training for the live show will start during the third week in January and participants will need to commit to the training and raising £400 each in sponsorship for the hospice.

Contestants will be chosen on a first come, first served basis.

Contact Maria on 01204 663055 or email maria.passarello @boltonhospice.org.