Couples from RAF Lyneham will be donning their dancing shoes as they prepare for a Strictly Come Dancing charity event later this year.

Around 15 couples from the base will be given dancing lessons by Maria Howse, principal of the Cadley Dance Studio in Swindon, for eight weeks in preparation for a big showcase on October 28 in front of an audience.

Flight Lieutenant Samantha Stewart, 28, who organised a similar event at a base in Lincolnshire, said: “It was such a huge success when I organised the event before I thought we should do it again. We thought this year we would support Help For Heroes and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

“I love Strictly Come Dancing, but I’m not very good at dancing so I won’t be taking part. I think it would be too much work with organising it as well, but it should be so much fun.

“The outfits are left completely up to the dancers, so last year we had some people who came in traditional ball gowns and others chose a theme like Grease.

“Last time we raised about £13,500 so I have a figure in my head of what I would like to achieve again this year.”

Flt Lt Stewart is even hoping to attract some of the celebrities from the popular BBC1 show to come along and see the talent on offer, particularly after dancers Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova went along to support the Lincolnshire show.

She is appealing to local businesses to come forward and sponsor a couple. “It would be great if we could get some support from the local community.”

Any businesses wishing to get involved should call Flt Lt Stewart on 07813 097927.