PREPARATIONS are underway for one of the biggest Latin dance festivals in the country.

Dancers from across the region are getting ready to bring their South American inspired moves to the North-East for the fifth annual Teesside Latin Dance Festival.

For the first time since its launch in 2009, the event is pairing up with the Teesside branch of the MS Society to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and raise funds for the charity.

Branch chairman, Keith Craven, said: “It is a unique way of raising awareness of the charity and we are really pleased to be taking part.

“We are looking into different ways to raise money and awareness of the charity.

"We are trying to raise enough money to buy a bladder scanner for James Cook University Hospital and to send sufferers and their carers on an annual weekend away, so to be part of the festival is great for us to help raise awareness.”

The event was launched by Newcastle-based Latin Connection Dance Company in 2009 and has become one of the biggest of its kind in the UK.

During the two-day festival dancers of all abilities will be able to take part in more than 45 Latin workshops at Teesside University on Saturday, April 27 and at Voodoo Café, in Skinnergate, Darlington, on Sunday April 28.

For more information visit thelatinconnection.co.uk/teesside.htm