SEQUINS, sparkles and spray tans were the order of the evening for the glitziest event on the St Rocco's Hospice fundraising calendar.

Strictly St Rocco’s, at The Mere in Knutsford on Sunday, saw eight amateur dancers take to the floor with their professional partners cheered on by an audience of supporters who raised a record £60,000 for the charity.

Editor of the Warrington Guardian Hayley Smith with dance partner Alex Whyatt impressed the judging panel, including Coronation Street star Les Dennis, and audience with her energetic cha cha cha to Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk to take the Strictly St Rocco’s 2015 crown.

Hospice patron Ian Mackinnon was named runner up for his cheeky Charleston with organisers adding the standard of dancing was 'higher than ever'.

Ian, along with Anna Chrystal, Golden Square marketing manager, received top scores from the judges of 38 out of 40.

Lauren Tilston, events 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.”

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

The judging panel included last year’s winner Penketh High head teacher Ben Dunne and dance experts Ralph Casson and Victoria Bennett.

Amateur dancers are currently being recruited for Strictly St Rocco’s 2016.

 

Here are our top pictures from this year's event:

 

1. Runner up St Rocco's Hospice patron Ian McKinnon and dance partner Natalie, who stepped in at the 11th hour when original partner Cathy suffered a shoulder injury, perform the charleston

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2. Wrexham FC footballer Mark Carrington shows off his rumba moves with dance partner Holly

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3. Coronation Street star Les Dennis gives his judge's verdict in best Bruno Tonioli style

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4. Warrington Guardian editor Hayley Smith and dance partner Alex Whyatt with their winning cha cha cha

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5. Judge Ralph Casson holds up the 10 for Anna and Wayne's top tango

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6. Paul Cockcroft, from SSE Fiddler's Ferry, shakes his samba moves to the Jackson Five with dance partner Jude

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7. Margaret Evans, from FDR Law, looking elegant for her quickstep with dance partner Chris 

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8. A wonderful waltz performed by Phil Evans, from RBS, with dancer partner Amy Hancock

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9. Callands Primary head teacher Lisa Wigglesworth made a bright start to proceedings with her sizzling salsa with dancer partner Ian

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10. Wayne Newhouse, from Cadmans Dance School in Sale, and Anna Chrystal, from Golden Square Shopping Centre, with their tantalising tango

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11. Hayley Smith and Alex Whyatt pick up the glitterball trophy after their cha-rming cha cha cha

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12. Four hundred guests watched this year's event which raised £60,000 for St Rocco's Hospice, and there was plenty of support in the audience for the dancers 

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13. The 2015 judging panel, Les Dennis, Victoria Bennett, Ralph Casson and Ben Dunne 

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15. All smiles from this year's Strictly St Rocco's performers, judges and presenters

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