Dancers compete for Leroc title

This is the fifth time the event has taken place in Weston.

Hundreds of dancers are competing to be the 2008 Leroc Open Dance champion at the UK Dance Championships being held in Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset.

Dancers of all ages will show off their moves at the Pavillion Ballroom at the Winter Gardens on Weston's seafront.

The competition is open to anyone who can dance a modern jive including LeRoc, Lindy Hop and Salsa.

Judges include Carol Hain who took part in the BBC's dance competition programme "Strictly Dance Fever."

'Simply spectacular'

Sherif Uthman, organising the event, said: "Programmes such as 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'Strictly Dance Fever' have done absolute wonders for the profile of dancing.

"When the programme was being broadcast, the number of requests I received from people wanting private lessons shot up.

"It's similar to Wimbledon fortnight - the whole of the country wants to play tennis."

"This is the fifth time we have run the event at the Winter Gardens. Last year's event was stunning. The venue is simply spectacular and everyone had a really good time. With more people, it will be bigger and better."

The finalists will take to the floor on Sunday at the competition's Glitter Ball, where the prizes will be presented.