THERE'S no doubt about it, Bolton knows how to dance.
Throw in fake tan, sequins and glitter and you have a night to remember as Bolton Hospice hosted the fourth Strictly Learn to Dance.
In front of a crowd of more than 750 people, 20 couples hit the dancefloor at the Premier Suite, Bolton Whites Hotel, to battle it out for an array of glittering trophies.
The Saturday night event was hosted by Bolton FM, in aid of the hospice, and has raised more than £35,000 for the charity in the past.
Dancers strutted their stuff in the social foxtrot, quickstep and one of four specialist dancers — salsa, cha cha, Argentine tango and rock and roll — cheered on by hundreds of supporters.
However, it was 29-year-old Bolton AO.com employee Lee Hallworth and 41-year-old Little Lever flight attendant Lorraine Crompton (pictured below) who walked away with the champion's trophy thanks to a dramatic Argentine Tango.
Speaking afterwards Lorraine said: “It’s absolutely amazing, I can’t believe we’ve won.
“It’s been so worthwhile taking part and we’ve both really enjoyed it.”
The couples only had 12 weeks to learn their dances with the help of A Touch of Class dance school in Farnworth, with Teresa Croasdale handing over the champion trophy to the winners.
Runners up were conference and events executive at USN Bolton Arena, Hannah Mooney, aged 27, from Chorley, and AO.com employee Ste Brown, aged 32, from Horwich.
Ste added: "The comradery has been amazing and everyone has put in so much effort to help raise money for the hospice. It's daunting going out on the floor but once you're out there you just want to do it again."
Husband and wife team Luciano and Lorna Fortuna, from Blackrod
Organisers believe Saturday night could have been the competition's biggest year yet and the judges included professionals from the world of dance, Bolton Hospice trustee Andy Morgan, West End and film choreographer Jack Murphy and Strictly Come Dancing star Georgia May Foote (pictured below).
The 25-year-old, from Bury, said: "It's a bit strange being in the judge's chair but it was great to see how much effort everyone had put in.
"It was an incredible evening and such an amazing turnout, everyone was so amazing. I've had family in Bolton Hospice and I'm really grateful for their work.
"It was a beautiful night for a beautiful hospice."
Leanne Johnson and Anthony Harris
Jack returned to Bolton for the evening after his turn leading BBC Two show You Make Me Feel Like Dancing where he tried to reignite a love of social dancing in the town.
He said: "The energy here is unbelievable, it's driving towards something so positive.
"What these participants have achieved in 12 weeks and getting up to dance in front of over 750 people is astonishing, and all selflessly doing it to raise money for the hospice is amazing."
Bolton FM presenters Andrew Dickson and Phil Ashcroft became Bolton's very own Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for the night, leading the proceedings which included the competition rounds, a performance by UK dance champions, an auction and awards ceremony.
Bolton Hospice event manger Maria Passarello said: "We love staging this event and it's a win for everyone, from the participants, to the hospice to the audience.
"It has grown so much since it was first staged and we are so proud of it.
"We are proud of the participants, dance teachers, Bolton FM and everyone who helps us raise money."
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