CHORLEY'S Derian House Children's Hospice is set to benefit from a fun day of toe tapping as part of Dance Day 2000 this summer.

Wayne Sleep and a whole host of celebrities will be taking part in a fund-raising attempt to smash the world tap dance record.

It is hoped the record bid for the largest number of tap dancers tapping to a routine at the same time will set a new record and raise substantial funds for three children's charities, including Derian House, as well as the Wayne Sleep Dance Scholarship for young dancers.

The record breaking attempt will be one of the main attractions of Dance Day 2000, being held at the G-Mex Centre, Manchester on July 2.

The event promises to be an absolute must for anyone with an interest in dance and will open with dance routines in the morning to get all the 'tappers' warmed up for the record attempt. Wayne said: "I'm delighted to be leading this celebration of dance through Dance Day 2000.

"Dance is such an important part of so many of our lives and we want as many people as possible to experience dance through this event. We need as many people as possible to come along and have a wonderful day and help us set up a new world record."

Wayne will then be joined by members of the Royal Ballet who will stage a show for all the participants at G-Mex.

And everyone will be given the opportunity to take part in the dance festival, whether or not they are into ballet or ballroom, salsa or swing.

If you are not a tap dancer, you can stage your own routine at another venue.

But to join Wayne and his friends to be part of this unique event, contact the Dance Day 2000 hotline on 0161 276 8700 for further information and a registration pack.