COUPLES are being invited to take to the floor at a Strictly Get Dancing evening in aid of charity.

Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People is asking people to sign up for the event, now in its fifth year, which last year raised more than £35,000.

Bhranti Naik, community fundraiser at Martin House, said: “Strictly Get Dancing is an incredible event to take part in. Not only do you have the chance to become a modern-day Fred and Ginger on the dancefloor, you can help to raise money to help families from your area who need our support.”

Martin House cares for children from our area with life-limiting conditions, along with their families. Its care, which includes respite stays, end of life care and bereavement support, costs more than £8 million a year.

Couples have six weekly lessons to learn a group dance and two individual dances, which they then perform in front of friends and family at the Engine Shed in Wetherby on Saturday November 17, competing to win the top Glitter Ball prize. The panel of judges will include Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley.

It costs £50 per couple to register, and they need to sign up before September 15, with dance lessons, with York teacher Jean Harvey, beginning on October 7. Each couple is asked to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship.

The event has so far raised more than £100,000 since its launch in 2012.

For details visit www.martinhouse.org.uk or contact Bhranti at bnaik@martinhouse.org.uk.