NOVICE dancers strutted their stuff and showed off what they have learned for a good cause at the Strictly Worcestershire competition.

Eight couple's including Worcester News' own Grace Walton with her partner Jack Tingle, got on their dancing shoes at the event held at the Chateau Impney.

And after nine months preparation and a tough competition where the couples battled it out and showcased their two dances, Elaine and Stuart Watt were crowned champions receiving their winning glitterballs.

Second was Jason and Gaya Barnett, who just missed out in a tense dance off, while Grace and Jack made up the podium and finishing third.

The judging panel wowed by the contestants this year featured businessman Lord Digby Jones, broadcast legend Bob Warman, and dancing professionals Katie Love and Jennifer Bennett Price.

Dances this year included a racy Rumba, a smouldering Argentine tango, the Charleston and the Venetian waltz.

Hundreds attended the glitzy popular fundraiser, held last Thursday, and overall an impressive £36,000 was raised for Worcester Community Trust and St Paul's Hostel Worcester, as well as the contestants' chosen charities which this year included Headway Worcestershire, Acorns Children's Hospice and Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter.

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.

Julia Williams, vice chairman of organisers Worcestershire Ambassadors, said: "It was an excellent night.

"The couples all worked extremely hard, people don't realise they have spent nine months training for it.

"All the money raised will benefit local charities."