THEY’VE been armchair fans of Strictly Come Dancing for years.

Now a group of Bournemouth businessmen and women are taking on a dance challenge of their own to raise money for two deserving charities.

Ten dance enthusiasts are taking part in a special Christmas Business Come Dancing event this autumn.

And it’s not just cash for the Wessex Cancer Trust and Parkinson’s Dance that’s at stake – it’s their pride.

Each has a professional partner from Pavilion Dance South West and styles chosen range from Lindyhop, Musical Theatre and Disco, to Irish, Contemporary Dance Fusion and Ballroom.

They will all perform before judges at a gala event in December so they have just eight weeks to get to grips with their routines.

The Wessex Cancer Trust has run similar events for the past five years but this is the first time they have joined forces with Pavilion Dance’s acclaimed Parkinson’s Dance classes, for those affected with Parkinson’s Disease..

Pavilion Dance Artistic Director Deryck Newland told the Daily Echo: “We are very excited about this collaboration. Our class has been described as a lifeline by participants because, alongside the therapeutic benefits, it is delivered with a sense of fun in a safe and social environment.”

And Hazel Hatch from the Wessex Cancer Trust added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for both raising money and having fun. I can’t wait to hear the judges’ comments.”

The contestants can practice as little or as often as they like between now and December 11.

Paul Kinvig of Dale Carnegie UK will be taking on Musical Theatre with partner Emily Mercer. He said: “I’m a big fan of Strictly and I love dance. I had Argentine Tango lessons last year and I think I’ll be doing a bit of Dirty Dancing this time.”

Jo Legg from Global Radio, who will be performing Ballroom dance with Lawrence James, added: “I’ve never had any dance training before but I’d love to have a dance with Anton from Strictly.”

Anyone who wishes to sponsor the dancers can do so at tinyurl.com.ltz3t 9d and more details about the event are available at pdsw.org.uk/support-us/Christmas-business-come-dancing.

Those taking part, with the names of their professional dancer in brackets, are:

Rob Hazel from Flirt Cafe (Sarah Probert) doing Lindyhop

Jo Legg from Global Radio (Lawrence James) doing Ballroom and Latin

Marie Houlden from Bourne Kinesiology (Jasmine Taylor) doing Musical Theatre

Sarah March-Paschal from Coles Miller (Kate O’Leary) doing Irish Dance

Paul Kinvig from Dale Carnegie UK (Emily Mercer) doing Musical Theatre

Carlie O’Neill from Tanner and Tilley (Jane White) doing Contemporary Dance Fusion

Tracie Beardsley from Fab Frocks (Ruby Adams) doing 1940s Social Dance

Simone Thomas from MWAH (Jessica Hulbert) doing Street Dance

Emily Hingston from Global Radio (Liam Fraser) doing Contemporary Dance

Anne Jones from Princecroft Willis (Katie Morris) doing Disco