THE Earl of Shaftesbury demonstrated his continued support for Poole's Victoria Education Centre by playing a DJ set at the end of a mammoth 24-hour danceathon.

Poole Mayor Cllr Sean Gabriel got the party started at the Lindsay Road centre, where five staff members from the occupational therapist team completed the 24-hour non-stop dance.

This event, to raise money for new flooring in the school's play hall, started on Wednesday. (June 5) Nearly £1,700 has been raised so far.

Nicholas Anthony, the 12th Earl of Shaftesbury, is vice patron of Livability, the charity that runs Victoria Education Centre.

He said: "The staff members who took part have done an amazing thing dancing non-stop for 24 hours to raise money for the school play hall, which was a huge achievement

"I played dance music to encourage them over the finishing line and the atmosphere was terrific with parents, students and supporters all joining in."

Meanwhile, danceathon organiser Kelly Westerby said: "For our students, who have physical disabilities or complex medical/neurological conditions, play is at the heart of occupational therapy and we would like our play hall to be an environment where our students can be inspired to play and spend time with their peers.

"We would like to thank everyone who was involved in this event and are very grateful for those who are continuing to contribute through our JustGiving page.

"The support we have received has been amazing.

"Our feet are very sore but it was worth every dance step."

Victoria Education Centre is a day and residential school offering care and therapy for young disabled people aged 3-19.

All students have physical disabilities or complex medical conditions.

HRH The Princess Royal is patron of Livability, while its president is the Most Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.