SOME of the nation's favourite soap stars will be showing off their best moves as they take part in a Strictly Come Dancing type contest at the Macron Stadium.

Stars of Emmerdale have spent their spare time training for the ball to raise money for a number of cancer charities.

The glamorous night has been organised by Julie Garrity, whose son Jonathan successfully fought testicular cancer, and June Burns, from Oldham, whose husband has a rare form of myeloma.

Those taking to the dance floor will be Samantha Giles, who plays Bernice, Katherine Dow Blyton, who plays the vicar, Joe Gill, who plays Finn Barton, Michael Parr, who plays Ross Barton, Liam Fox, who plays Dan Spencer and Amy Walsh, who plays Tracy Metcalfe.

Anthony Quinlan, who plays Pete Barton, will also be attending to support his fellow actors.

Judges will be Bury actress and new star of Key 103 Gemma Atkinson, retired footballer Jason Jarrett as well as Bury boxer Scott Quigg.

The night will be hosted by Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard and Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe in the soap.

Fans will have a chance for a meet the stars before the start of the dance show.

Mrs Garrity, from Bury, said: "My reason for organising this was for Jonathan, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 18.

"He has been given the all clear and is fine, he runs his own business and is a success.

"June's husband has a rare form of myeloma and despite a 12-month remission it has returned and he is being treated at Royal Manchester Infirmary.

"I will never be able to pay back the young oncology unit for saving Jonathan's life but it is so important for us to give back.

"The money will fund leisure equipment and computers for the young people who are being treated at The Christies as this is all funded through donations."

Highlights for both families will include Jonathan, who is now 26, taking to the dance floor with Amy Walsh, and his brother Mark dancing with Mrs Burns' daughter Jodie Brewer, who are IDTA British Dance Champions.

The event takes place on May 5 at Bolton Whites Hotel and tickets start from £50, which include a three course meal and the dancing show. VIP tickets, priced at £75, include a champagne reception and a chance to meet the stars.

Money raised will go to callm, a cancer charity based at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, The Christie and the Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital Charity.

To book tickets email burns.j7@sky.com or m.garrity@sky.com or ring 07810486207 or 07708691089.