A WESTBROOK water company employee swapped pipes for pirouettes to raise money for terminally ill children.

Andy Cawley, aged 33, of Tourney Green, who works for United Utilities, underwent an intensive dance training regime to transform himself into the king of the ballroom in a Strictly Come Dancing style fundraiser.

He learned how to cut a rug under the guidance of international dancer Siobhan Dunn, prior to donning fake tan and sequins at a glitzy ballroom competition last Saturday, which he won.

He competed against seven colleagues during the event, all of whom were keen to make an impression in front of a panel of expert judges.

The sell-out contest, organised by United Utilities and held at Southport’s Floral Hall, raise more £30,000 pounds for Claire House Children's Hospice, which cares for children across Cheshire and Merseyside who have life-threatening conditions.

The new dad had to spend time away from 11-week-old daughter Lauren and wife Sarah, aged 34, to train for the event.

Andy, whose goal is to raise £1,000 through individual sponsorship, said: “The training went really well. It took me a while to pick up the basic Charleston step, which involves swivelling your feet from side to side as you move them forwards and backwards, but it sdid eventually click.

“We had four really tricky lifts in the routine and I dropped my dance partner several times in training. Luckily it came right on the night.

“It was for a great cause and we're all hoping that the final combined total will make a big difference to the charity.”