Weston Hospicecare is appealing for couples to take part in next year’s Strictly Fun Dancing contest.

A participant who took part last year said the supportive atmosphere among the couples helped conquer her nerves before the grand finale in March this year.

The hospice is inviting people to apply for the fundraiser which is taking place on March 23 next year at the Winter Gardens.

Liz Beacon and her husband Miles took part in the first Strictly Fun Dancing for Weston Hospicecare.

More: Strictly Fun Dancing raising thousands for Weston Hospicecare.

Liz loved dancing so the pair decided to enter.

She said: “I love dancing and strictly, it seemed like the perfect reason to learn something new together.

“I was OK at training, I know Miles found it frustrating at first, he said he felt like his brain and legs didn’t connect.”

However, after plenty of practice at home, Liz and Miles were ready for the grand finale – an evening Liz said was her favourite part of the entire process.

She said: “Performing on the night was without a doubt my favourite part. There was such a buzz in an amazing venue.

“I was pretty nervous, but on the night there was such a supportive atmosphere between the couples and that really helped.

“It was really nice to do the dance we’d practised so much and getting it nearly right. Also getting a 10 from the judges was pretty special.”

The hospice is looking for couples to apply to take part in next year’s Strictly Fun Dancing event.

Liz urges anyone thinking of taking part to sign up.

She said: “Do it. You may never get the chance again. It’s a great experience. Not too arduous. And raises lots of money in a really fun way.”

The charity is looking for 12 couples to take part in the event.

Weekly training sessions for the contestants will begin at Kewstoke Village Hall from January 13 and will last for 10 weeks.

Professional dancers Ben Hazell and his dance partner Ali Carter will teach couples a salsa and waltz to perform at the grand finale.

To sign up, couples need to visit the hospice’s website to download and complete an application form before emailing it to kelsey.dehaney@westonhospicecare.org.uk before Friday.