TV AND radio presenter Adrian Chiles is to host the 2017 version of charity dance contest Strictly Worcestershire.

He will be at the helm of the business world black tie fund-raiser at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich on Thursday, May 25. Profits from the event, to be organised by former contestants Julia Williams and Granville Orange, will go to Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Awareness Group and the £1.6m Rory the Robot Appeal. Worcestershire is a major urology cancer centre and this state-of-the-art surgical robotic system will ensure prostate cancer surgery patients will have less pain, minimal blood loss and reduced complications.

Eight contestant couples from the county’s business community will be aiming to lift the prized glitterball trophy in front of a 760-strong corporate audience. Former trade minister and business ambassador Lord Digby Jones, broadcaster Bob Warman and dancer/choreographer Katie Love, who have been judges since the event made its debut in 2014, will be joined by choreographer Jennifer Bennett Price, who is originally from Los Angeles and has worked in the theatre and live production business for more than 20 years.

Mr Chiles, who comes from Hagley, said: “As someone with a strong connection to the county, I am delighted to be hosting Strictly Worcestershire and wish all the contestant couples well in their preparation over the coming months.”

Ian Jukes, chairman of the Rory the Robot Appeal, added: “I am delighted that the appeal has been chosen as the charity for Strictly Worcestershire 2017. The robot will benefit our county by attracting and retaining those qualified nursing and surgical staff our hospitals always need.”