DANCERS put their best foot forward raising thousands of pounds in aid of Cancer Research UK at a special evening in Bournemouth.

The Ultra Ballroom event took place last Saturday and saw performers don their black ties, dresses and sequins to show off their talents to a 400-strong crowd at the Pavilion.

Participants have raised more than £15,000 after completing eight weeks of training with a professional teacher free of charge.

A lot of the dancers were taking part in memory of support of family and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer.

This included couple Kevin Palmer and Ros Palmer-Bood from Bournemouth.

Ros was diagnosed with cancer for the second time six years after fighting it six years ago.

She underwent an operation the week training was due to start, but such was her determination to take part, she completed a training session days after her the procedure.

"I had my operation while doing the training and the whole process has kept my mind off it," Ros said.

"It's been a great thing to be involved with and we have all had such a fun time.

"I think everyone should be so proud of themselves.

"I've been on cruises and Kevin never wanted to dance. He couldn't even move his feet at the start, but now we're waltzing a full routine."

Helen and Mark Smith from Christchurch, were asked to take part by their close friend Ros.

The couple said there was no way they could not do their bit.

"When I was out there dancing I was thinking of my close friends, who have had to fight cancer," Helen said.

"The amount they have to go through makes any fears about dancing in front of the audience seem like a walk in the park."

The pairs started out as novices, but under the guidance of dance teacher Linda Palmer they performed either a waltz or jive at the glamorous event.

Linda said the development of some of the pairs was incredible over the course of the training, which took place at LeAF Studio.

"Some people came in and they couldn't do a basic box step, but now they are doing complex pieces of choreography that last up to four minutes - it's absolutely incredible," she said.

"I feel really privileged and honoured to have been asked to teach them."