DANCERS have raised £1,200 for Halton Haven from their annual Christmas show.

It brings the total donated to the hospice by the Widnes Tanza School of Dance to more than £10,000.

Jenny Rigby, from Tanza, said: “We have performed a Christmas show in aid of Halton Haven for many years.

“All our teachers attended the school as children and it was our then teacher Avis Finlay who chose the Haven to fundraise for.

“She helped as a volunteer in the Haven shop and saw how much good work the charity offers to the community and how they are there in many people's times of need.

“We took over the school 18 years ago and have continued her good work not only in fundraising but in keeping the spirit of Tanza alive where our pupils enjoy dance, build confidence and make lifelong friends.”

Avis used to run the school with Libby Rigby and Ali Giannini.

Around 60 dancers from the age of 3 staged two performances on the same day at Ditton Community Centre.

Chris Andrews, community fundraiser at Halton Haven Hospice, said: “The children, teachers and parents of Tanza School of Dance are incredible! “To have raised such a fantastic amount from one dance show is a great achievement, but to do it year in, year out for a decade is just amazing. Without groups like Tanza supporting the hospice we would not be able to care for the people in our local communities who need us. We are so grateful.”

Jenny added: “We are so proud at how hard our pupils have worked to produce such an amazing show and to raise a record breaking amount! “We are also grateful for the support from the community who came to watch our performances and to all of the businesses who were kind enough to donate raffle prizes.

“Halton Haven has touched so many families in Halton and many people want to repay them for their hard work and commitment in their roles.”

Tanza School of Dance is open to children aged 3 and upwards.

They meet every Saturday at Ditton Community Centre and offer classes in tap and modern dance.

Anyone interested in finding out more should can contact Jenny Rigby on the dance school’s facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/TanzaSchoolOfDance.

For more information about Halton Haven Hospice, visit haltonhavenhospice.co.uk or call 01928 712 728.