SIXTY people danced for three continuous hours at a charity Zumbathon for Butterwick Hospice Care.

The crowd at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College, ranged in age from the under-18s to the over 80s.

And through donations and sponsorship they raised more than £2,500, dancing to Latin American, chart and hip-hop beats.

Organiser Helen Brown from Zumba Northallerton said: "I put on the event after the hospice looked after my Dad in the late stages of his illness last year.

"I was astounded at the wonderful care given by an organisation that relies on donations for its survival and I've been very touched by the generosity of all the local residents who contributed to support them in thanks."

Spaces for the event were snapped up in days as local residents proved they were ready to sweat for a good cause and five different instructors led the dance-marathon across the 180 minutes.

Butterwick Hospice Care provides free care for people of all ages living with life-limiting illnesses.

A spokesperson for the organisation commented: "We're delighted to hear that the Zumbathon went so well and we're very grateful to the people of Northallerton for raising such a brilliant amount."

Some dancers also raised funds for the Friarage Hospital MRI Scanner Appeal.