DANCERS are needed to help raise money for Bolton Hospice, with no men yet volunteering to put on their dancing shoes for a good cause.

Every year, 20 couples take to the floor and put their best foot forward to raise money and awareness for Bolton Hospice's vital work.

The Strictly Learn to Dance competition has proven to be a hit with both contestants and audiences alike, raising £52,000 for the charity in this year's contest. Participants are challenged with learning to ballroom dance over 12 weeks, culminating in a performance before judges at a grand final.

In its eighth year, taking place in 2020, organisers are now calling on men to get involved after they have been faced with even slower uptake than usual from men.

So far, all the women's places have been filled but no men have yet come forward to make up the couples. The organisers are encouraging men of all ages to consider taking part, with former male contestants ranging from 17 to 77.

Maria Passarello, the hospice events manager, said: "Strictly Learn to Dance has become a very popular and rewarding event for Bolton Hospice and this can only be achieved with the support of our dancers and dance tutors. We are hoping to have 20 couples to join us in 2020 and so we need men to step up to the challenge. We can guarantee you will have the time of your life."

Phil Berry, a 2019 contestant, said: "I had no experience of dancing but it is for a great cause and I like a challenge. It was one of the best experiences of my life, I learned how to dance and made some great friends."

To find out more, email events@boltonhospice.org or call 01204663071.