Waiting staff from the Wetherby Whaler in Wakefield are to put on their dancing shoes for charity to take part in a fun-filled competition.

Julia Lill, (30), and Tony Quirke, (49), will swap their aprons for sequins to take part in a Strictly Come Dancing style challenge, which will raise money for the Wakefield Hospice.

Julia and Tony, along with nine other couples that are taking part in Strictly Care to Dance, have been learning three dances since September for the event.

All the couples will perform at the glitzy show, which has taken inspiration from the popular TV programme, taking place at Wakefield’s War Memorial Hall on November 1, with an aim of raising £250 per dancer.

In a similar fashion to Strictly Come Dancing, the competition will feature a panel of judges and the winners will be decided using audience participation.

Wakefield Hospice is committed to providing the highest level of care for people who have advanced active, progressive and life threatening illness. The Hospice endorses a holistic approach in promoting quality of life for patients as well as providing the continuing support that is offered to families and carers.

The Wetherby Whaler is a leading player in the popular fish and chip restaurant and take-away market in Yorkshire. In addition to Pudsey, it has restaurants and takeaways in Wakefield, York, Wetherby and Guiseley.

Julia said: "I am delighted with the response that we have had with the competition, which will be a fun way to support a fantastic local cause. I’ve always watched Strictly and I am passionate about dancing, so both Tony and I thought it would be a great idea to combine the two together.

"Everyone has worked so hard and the event will be a great way to raise awareness for the charity, as well as provide the perfect platform for the couples involved to showcase their dancing talents and the progress they have made over the six weeks.”

Keeley Harrison, Senior Fundraiser at the Wakefield Hospice, said: "We are delighted that Julia and Tony will be joining us to take part in the Strictly Care to Dance Challenge and we wish them the very best luck for their performances! The sponsorship they are raising will provide vital care for patients and their families who are living with an end of life diagnosis here in Wakefield.”

Phillip Murphy, owner of the Wetherby Whaler, said: "I would like to praise both Julia and Tony for their hard work in taking part in such a fantastic, charitable event. I would also like to thank our customers for their great response and support for the cause. I am looking forward to the event, and I hope that all participants ‘break a leg’ during their performances.”