Sequins and sparkles, lights and music created the glitziest event on the fundraising calendar of St Rocco’s Hospice.

Strictly St. Rocco’s at The Mere in Knutsford gave eight amateur dancers the fabulous opportunity of taking to the floor with professional partners.

They were cheered on by an audience whose generosity helped the evening raise a staggering £60,000 for the hospice.

The event, sponsored by retail recruitment consultants Zachary Daniels, is based on the popular BBC1 series and featured Coronation Street star Les Dennis as a special guest judge, alongside last year’s winner Ben Dunne – Head at Penketh High - and dance experts Ralph Casson and Victoria Bennett.

Professional dancers were supplied by Cadman’s Dance School in Sale, who have supported the event for the last three years. The evening was hosted by radio personality Roger Phillips and businesswoman and dancer Tracy Griffiths.

Hayley Smith, Editor of the Warrington Guardian, danced with Alex Whyatt and won over the judges and audience with her energetic Cha Cha Cha, taking the Strictly St. Rocco’s crown for 2015.

Hospice patron Ian Mackinnon was named runner-up for his cheeky Charleston, pairing up with professional dancer Natalie Goodier to deliver an entertaining finale.

Lauren Tilston, fundraising manager at St. Rocco’s, said: ‘We are absolutely staggered by how much money was raised by this year’s event, doubling what was raised in 2014 .It really was a night to remember and on behalf of all at St. Rocco’s I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to such a successful occasion.’