FOR the past 12 weeks 40 brave contestants have been learning the ways of the ballroom in the run up to one of Bolton’s biggest charity nights.

The Bolton Hospice Strictly Learn To Dance event is about to sashay its way back into town for its fifth year.

Saturday’s grand finale, hosted by Bolton FM in the Premier Suite at the Whites Hotel, will see 20 couples hot foot it across the dancefloor to raise funds for the hospice.

Volunteers will be showing off their moves in the hope of winning over the judges and being crowned 2017 champions. Mum-of-two Donna Oliver, from Farnworth, is dancing a salsa and Argentine tango with John Rayner from Morris Green.

The 37-year-old beautician said: “I’m taking part in memory of my boyfriend’s mum Susan Harrison who died at the hospice in September, 2013.

“I danced when I was young but haven’t done it for 20 years and I have absolutely loved it.

“The thought of hundreds of people watching at the final scares the life out of me. We are all really nervous but excited!”

Dancers have gone from baby steps to promenades thanks to lessons at A Touch of Class dance studio.

They will perform three dances, including a social one, at the sold-out event.

Chris and Alison Holt from Breightmet will be watched by their three children as they team up with different partners on the night.

Mr Holt, a 43-year-old welder, added: “I’m swapping steel-capped boots and overall for tight trousers and shiny shoes –it is very much a long way out of my comfort zone.

“It’s been really hard work but I’ve enjoyed it!”

Judges on the night include ITV’s The Chase star Jenny Ryan.

The evening will be attended by 750 guests and last year’s event raised, former Open British Latin champion Alan Newman, Sandhams dance School owner Marie Snadham, championship adjudicator David Brankley, and hospice vice chairman Grace Hopps.

Hospice chairman Judith Bromley added: “This is our fifth Strictly Learn to Dance event and we have seen it grow in popularity over the year’s raising substantial funds for the hospice.

“We are very proud to be staging it once more in this our 25th anniversary year.”

The 20 couples

Richard and Roxy Howarth

Maureen Flitcroft and Steve Clegg

Liz Douglas and Tony Bladen

Kerry and Ian Harrison

Kay Talbot and Lee Mitton

Andrew Bovill and Denise Convery

Joyce Bateson and Steven Hesford

John Rayner and Donna Oliver

Gilly Blair and Christian Brabin

Gill Conway and David Walsh

Debbie and Andrew Walsh

Christopher Wheeldon and Sophina Ginty

Charlotte Edwards & James Dunne

Anna Maria and Valerio Scire

Anna Krala and Andrew Hopkinson

Ann Marie Talbot and Chris Holt

Andrew Bovil and Denise Convery

Wayne Gregory and Sarah Elliot

Carol Morris and Garry Emson

Alison Holt and David Rogers