A DANCER will take to the streets to inspire children to enjoy exercise tomorrow (Tuesday, April 7).

Vanessa Finn, who has performed in front of thousands of music fans, will be leading a campaign to get youngsters fit through free dance and exercise classes.

Drop-in sessions at the Pavilion shopping centre in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, will also show children how to eat well.

There will be craft workshops while staff from Asda and Iceland shops will be providing free healthy drinks, water and fruit for the youngsters.

Thornaby Pavilion Shopping Centre manager Oliver Westley said: “We understand that it’s not easy to find things for children to do that are free, fun and close to hand, which is why we have arranged this event for the school Easter holidays.”

Ms Finn added: “There will be lots of music for the routine and it will all be tailored to the kids – something they want to jump around to.”

Vanessa has toured and appeared in panto shows plus took to the stage at London’s Olympia, for dance-fests that attracted more than 24,000 enthusiasts.

She said: “It is just so easy for us these days to just walk past somewhere and pick up some fast food, so we’ve got to do as much as we can to educate kids as young as possible about their health."

Tees Active, which manages and operates all Stockton council’s leisure facilities, are supporting the event.

Throughout the school holidays there will be other events run by Tees Active such as swimming, skating, boating, discos, parties and games for children.

Tomorrow's event will run from 10am to 3pm in the main square, Thornaby Pavilion, outside Sphere Cafe.