St John's Hospice’s brand new event Strictly St John's was a sell-out success, raising more than £25,000 for the care of patients and families in the hospice and in patients' homes.

Praise of the event has flooded in from all quarters – the participants, the attendees, the judges and those who voted at home!

The glittering Strictly St John's event took place on November 8 in the Winter Gardens on Morecambe Promenade and was compered by Dave Guest.

Six brave couples, each pledging to raise £1,000, practiced for seven weeks leading up to the event under the expert tuition of Elizabeth Rogers Dance Teacher and Nicola Buccelli Principal of The Dance Hub, who volunteered their time to choreograph and teach three couples!

Dancers and teachers (from left) are Nicola Buccelli, Joanne Metcalfe, Lyndsay Scott, Chelle Dawson, Graham Dawson, Emma Townley, Graham Bailey, Holly Rickerby, Bobby Hornby, Adrian Hall, Tina Mant, Pauline Jepson, Richard Gaskell, Elizabeth Rogers and Lily Knight.

placeholder image — Dancers and teachers (from left) are Nicola Buccelli, Joanne Metcalfe, Lyndsay Scott, Chelle Dawson, Graham Dawson, Emma Townley, Graham Bailey, Holly Rickerby, Bobby Hornby, Adrian Hall, Tina Mant, Pauline Jepson, Richard Gaskell, Elizabeth Rogers and Lily Knight.

The six couples – Chelle and Graham, Holly and Bobby, Lyndsay and Joanne, Pauline and Richard, Emma and Graham, and Adrian and Tina – put on a fabulous show, their dancing bringing huge applause from the audience who were spellbound by their hard work, professionalism and glamour.

Joanne & Lyndsay and Chelle & Graham made the 'top two' and after a thrilling dance off, husband and wife Chelle & Graham Dawson walked away with the glitterball trophy.

Father and daughter duo Emma & Graham from Westgate Tyres lifted the People’s Choice trophy, whilst Adrian & Tina, Pauline & Richard, and Holly & Bobby shone like stars!

Lily Knight, events & corporate fundraiser, said: "Strictly St John's was an incredible evening – the glitz, the glamour, the sequins and sparkle all matched in the generosity of our supporters and community.

Xeinadin team Victoria Dadswell, Gareth Westworth, Gill Lowcock, Alison Dent, Alan Taylor and James Cornthwaite.

"The contestants threw their hearts, souls and dancing feet into the event and to see everyone enjoy themselves whilst raising funds for St John's patients and families meant such a lot to so many.

"Support from the judging panel consisting of The Paula Boscott School of Dance, award winning Anthony Padgett, dance trained Emma Bales and Prof Vanessa Toulmin, chair of the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, made for a truly authentic judging experience.

"Event sponsors Xeinadin and support from The Dance Hub Seniors, LUXE by Hannah, Bluebell Celebrations, Evans Marquee Hire, Light Up Events North West, St John's Hospice volunteers and the iconic Morecambe Winter Gardens team brought that extra sparkle and glamour to the evening!”