ORGANISERS say this year’s Bolton Hospice Strictly Learn To Dance will be the biggest and best yet.

There are double the number of couples taking part in this year’s event, which see novice dancers put through their paces while they raise money for the charity.

The 21 couples will be put through their paces for 10 weeks by instructors at A Touch Of Class Dance Studio in Little Lever, who have donated their time for free to teach the wannabes three different dances.

Each competitor has been asked to raise £400 as part of the competition — the amount of money it takes to run the hospice for one hour — and the training will culminate in a dance display at the Macron Stadium in March 2015.

Bolton Hospice events manager Maria Passarello said she was thrilled so many people had signed up to the competition.

She said: ‘This is the third year we have staged Strictly Learn to Dance and we have 21 couples taking part which is just amazing.

“The dedication and commitment that the dance teachers of A Touch of Class give to this event and that of the participants is truly commendable.

“Not only is it a fun and enjoyable event but it also raises a significant amount of funding for our service and we are grateful to everyone who contributes.

“This is going to be a Grand Finale not to be missed and we wish all the participants the best of luck and to keep dancing!”

Bromley Cross resident Rob Ranyard is one of this year’s dancers, and said he decided to take part in memory of his wife Margaret.

The 67-year-old said: "I really enjoy dancing. I used to take beginner lessons with my wife, Margaret who I lost two years ago to leukaemia.

“She was a trustee of Bolton Hospice, and was very proud of the quality of care it provides. It's great to be able to support the hospice and have fun at the same time!"

Follow Elaine's progress here or to sponsor her go to www.justgiving.com/strictlyelaineoflynn