CHARITY dance spectacular Strictly Worcestershire has raised thousands for good causes.

The glitzy popular fundraiser was held at the Chateau Impney in Droitwich Spa on May 24.

Overall this year’s event raised an impressive £32,000, which is being donated to St Richard’s Hospice and the Rory the Robot Appeal.

Winners of the glittering contest were Dawn Owen and Gareth Keyte, whose rumba and quickstep routines wowed the judging panel which this year featured Lord Digby Jones, broadcaster Bob Warman, dancer and choreographer Katie Love, and choreographer Jennifer Bennett Price.

The couple were successful after a tense dance off with vote winners Amanda and Tim Whale. It was a remarkable achievement as Dawn broke her left arm during a rehearsal session fall just 12 days before the event.

Tied in third place were Jackie and Jim Harvey and Abi and Mark Williams.

The total raised through ticket sales and fundraising on the night was further boosted by a £10,000 donation by Worcestershire Ambassadors - who will take over the running of the show in 2019 and are looking for contestants.

Sponsored by Drp and A1 Recruitment Solutions, the event saw seven contestant couples strut their stuff in a bid to lift the prized glitterball trophy.

Alan Dedicoat, the voice of television's Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars in the USA, was the announcer and host was BBC Hereford and Worcester presenter Elliott Webb.

To open the evening, the Supreme Showgirls performed a routine to There’s No Business Like Show Business and 2017 champions Fiona Watson and Jon Bell reprised their victorious American smooth.

Julia Williams, co-producer of the event, said: “The tireless efforts of our dancers and support from sponsors and volunteers have combined to create a truly memorable evening.

"The standard of dancing gets better every year and continues to astound the audience and judges alike.”