A ROTARIAN never backs down from a charity challenge no matter how embarrassing, zany or physical.

In this spirit, three members of the Rotary Club of Swindon North Mike Helyer, Andrew Metcalfe and Phil Matthews, donned their best sports gear and even a neon tutu and leg warmers for one of them, walked through the doors of the Co-op in Highworth and started a Zumba flashmob on Saturday.

They were soon joined by Zumba enthusiasts disguised as run-of-the mill shoppers, who suddenly broke into dance in the middle of the supermarket to raise funds for Swindon Young Carers.

After an intense first half hour spent mostly struggling to keep up with instructor Denise Rogers, the trio took a welcome break.

Mike, 62, of Blunsdon, said: “Looking at her feet and following is difficult but we did what we could,” he said. “It’s fun and it’s for a worthwhile cause.”

What he lacked in coordination or natural sense of rhythm, Phil, 58, from Bishopstone, made up for in enthusiasm and determination.

“I do running and cycling but I am useless at dance in any way,” he said. “It has been fun. We were happy to do it.”

Andrew, 55, from Haydon Wick, added: “I don’t have a sense of rhythm but it was not as bad as I thought it would be.”

Lynn Withey, Rotary Club of Swindon North’s first female president, was the brains behind the wacky challenge.

“I just thought I would issue a few challenges to members,” she said. “I’m a great believer in putting the fun into fundraising. They had to raise at least £100 each in sponsorship and we are collecting funds today as well.

“They were all really good sports.

“They will now be able to challenge me to do something for charity. It’s quite scary but ‘live by the sword, die by the sword.’”