THE grand finale of a charity challenge take place this weekend.

Nine couples from the region will be battling it out in a dance competition to raise money to help care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Strictly St Cuthbert’s, based on the popular television celebrity dance show, is being held at Rainton Meadows Arena, near Houghton-le-Spring, on Saturday.

Last year, when the event was first launched, it raised £10,000 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham City.

Contestants have taken part in an eight-week intense dancing course at the Dudman Academy Of Performing Arts And Fitness in Fenham, Newcastle, and Zazz Dance and Performing Arts Academy in Houghton-le-Spring.

Helen and David Hughes, both 57, from Newton Hall, Durham are taking part in memory of Mr Hughes’ father, Ernest, a former county councillor from Spennymoor, who died from cancer last year aged 85.

The couple have raised about £600 for the charity.

Mrs Hughes, a business development manager, said: “Our rehearsals have been going well, but I am a bit surprised we are still married.

“We have had a few fights along the way. We have been going every Sunday and had the odd extra dance practice and danced on the beach, danced in the garden, danced in the house.

“We had never danced before so you just dance everywhere when you are trying to learn.”

Lisa Dawson, senior account manager at Smooth Radio North-East will also judge, while the host for the evening is the radio station’s breakfast show presenter, Steve Colman.

Paul Marriott, chief executive officer at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, who took part last year, said: “To go from little or zero dancing experience to then undertake eight weeks professional training and step out onto the stage under the spotlights is a massive achievement."

The evening runs from 7pm to 11pm. Standard tickets cost £15 and are available by calling on 0191 3861170 (extension five) or via www.stcuthbertshospice.com