A host of celebrities have taken part in a dance challenge to raise much-needed funds for local charities.

Hollyoaks actress Sarah Jayne Dunn and Coronation Street star Melissa Johns are among the famous faces who have taken part in the challenge organised by Lisa Forshaw on behalf of Bolton Fashion Festival.

Lisa started dancing for herself when lockdown began over 10 weeks ago. However, she was encouraged by Lisa Wilkinson, an ambassador for the Bolton Fashion Festival, to turn it into a fundraising challenge.

For the past five weeks Lisa has been joined by people from across the borough, from dance groups to charities, who have all been sharing their videos on social media.

So far £4,250 has been raised for Bolton Hospice, Urban Outreach, Fortalice, the Gary Parky Trust, Back Up and Bury Cancer support centre.

Lisa said: “Every morning I get up and dance. It’s a tough time right now and it has been nice to raise money and make a difference to people who are struggling.

“So far I have had 220 videos from people, and I would love to have more to keep me going. The dancing has kept me going as well, it’s been great for my mental health and I know it’s helped others during this difficult time. I never really planned to do this but here I am posting videos online every day. It has been so positive, the response has been phenomenal.

“I want to support Bolton massively and help out the town. Obviously, we don’t know what’s round the corner. I’m going to keep dancing.

“I would love to raise £6,000 in total, that way I can donate £1,000 to each charity.”

Lisa Wilkinson said: “Lisa’s been amazing, she’s been so determined and kept going all this time. She’s helped keep me motivated with my fitness too.”

Actress and disability advocate Melissa Johns, who starred in Coronation Street, said: “It’s been so heartwarming to see communities coming together during this scary and unusual time.

“Through the skip dance challenge Lisa has created a community of love and support.

“Not only raising money but keeping people active and spreading smiles.

“As an ambassador of Bolton Fashion Festival, it’s been a pleasure to support this initiative and to see bodies of all shapes and sizes being included and represented through these challenges.”