TWO best friends kicked, flicked and tapped their way to victory at a Strictly Come Dancing-inspired charity event.

Helen Corner and Victoria Mansell impressed the judges at the inaugural Strictly St Cuthbert’s event with their cheeky Charleston.

- See all the photos from the night

Staged at the Rainton Meadows Arena near Houghton-le-Spring, the event was organised by St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham City and raised more than £10,000 for the cause.

Five couples were given free dance training by The Dudman Academy of Performing Arts in Newcastle and Zazz Dance and Performing Arts Academy in Houghton-le-Spring ahead of Saturday night’s (February 6) grand final, which also featured performances from Zazz Dance and Performing Arts Academy, BBC One Strictly Dance Fever winner Darrien Wright, who runs Darlington’s Dance Wright Studio, and radio presenter Tim Lichfield.

Mrs Corner, from Chester-le-Street, and her brother Daniel Lowden have raised more than £20,000 for the hospice since her mother Wendy died there in 2014.

She said: “I can’t believe we won. I feel very overwhelmed. It was an amazing experience and I know my mam would be proud of me.”

Sheela Joy, from the hospice, added: “We are so proud of the dancers. They were all absolutely amazing and helped to make it an unforgettable night.”