THOSE taking to the floor in a Strictly Come Dancing-themed night for a charity helping Wirral children with cerebral palsy are being put through their paces ahead of the event.

The event, in aid of Stick 'n' Step, is at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa on Saturday, November 16.

Eight contestants will take part on the night and have each been paired with a professional dancer and have chosen a song and a dance with which they hope to impress the panel of judges and to be in with a chance of lifting the winner’s glitter ball trophy.

Among those taking part is 17-year-old Harry from Chester, a sixth form student at Abbey Gate College. He is learning the quickstep, which he will be dancing with professional partner Shannon to Disney favourite I wanna be like you from The Jungle Book.

Harry volunteered to take part in the competition as Abbey Gate College has selected Stick ‘n’ Step as one of the three charities it is dedicating its fundraising to this year.

He said; "I am excited to get started with this unique opportunity presented to me and will grasp it with both hands to help others.

"My family loves the Strictly show on TV so I look forward to 'strutting my stuff'. I can’t believe the progress I’ve made already".

It's all in aid of Stick ‘n’ Step, which provides free weekly conductive education sessions at its centres on Wirral and in Runcorn to children and young people with cerebral palsy up to the age of 25, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives.

Nicole Preston, is taking part in the dance competition because her niece Iris, aged two, has cerebral palsy and visits the charity regularly for conductive education sessions at its Runcorn centre. Nicole will be dancing a cha cha cha to Cheerleader.

Nicole said: "Iris is a ray of sunshine, she fights daily and continuously pushes herself, all whilst keeping a huge smile on her face; I truly believe Iris’ development has come along leaps and bounds because of charities like Stick n Step – it’s a truly remarkable place and the work they do is incredible.

"I wanted to give something back to the charity as a way of showing gratitude for their support."

Another competitor with a personal connection to Stick ‘n’ Step is Markos Kokkinos. His little cousin Bella, aged three, has cerebral palsy and attends conductive education classes at the charity’s centre in Runcorn. Markos has chosen to dance a cha cha cha to Come Alive from The Greatest Showman movie.

Markos said: "I’m fundraising for Stick ‘n’ Step as this charity does such amazing work for our local community. The staff are incredible; they have been there for Bella from day one and do so much to support her.”

Along with the dance competition, on the night of the ball, there will be VIP drinks reception, a three-course meal. There will be an auction and raffle too, to boost fundraising further. Tickets cost £70 per person or £700 for a table of 10.

Stick ‘n’ Step relies on supporters and volunteers to help raise the £750,000 required to deliver its services to over 100 families each year at its Wallasey and Runcorn centres. Find out more about the charity by visiting www.sticknstep.org .