STRICTLY Come Dancing returns to our screens tonight – and Stretford dancers are putting six novices through their paces in Barnado’s very own version of the dazzling dance competition.

Strictly Barnardo’s will take place on Friday September 30 at Stockport Guildhall and has been organised as one of a number of fundraising activities to mark the charity’s 150th anniversary.

In May this year the six participants, including three members of staff from Barnardo’s and three of the charity’s supporters, were teamed up with experienced competitive dancers from Topaz Dance studio in Stretford.

Topaz Dance owners, Pat and Tony Savage, along with their two children, Chris and Zoe, have choreographed routines and provided coaching to the six couples, as well as unlimited access for the dancers to practice and perfect their routines ahead of next Friday’s finale.

The judging panel for the competition will comprise a young person from Barnardo’s, two champion competitive dancers and Barnardo’s regional director of children’s services, Lynn Perry.

Event organiser Abby Ogier said: “When I made my pledge earlier this year to support Barnardo’s 150th anniversary by organising a Strictly-style dance competition, never did I envisage the generosity and support I have received from so many different people to make this event happen.

“I am immensely grateful to not only the dance studio, our competitive dancers, including my son Sam, and many others, but also to our six brave participants who have given up so much of their free time to support Barnardo’s in this fun, if not slightly daunting, way.”

Tickets cost of £25pp and are available from Topaz Dance studio on 0161 864 4093 or email abby.ogier@barnardos.org.uk. Entry is permitted to teenagers aged 13 to 17 that are accompanied by an adult.

If you would like to support the event but can't attend, you can make a donation at justgiving.com/fundraising/strictlybarnardos.