STRICTLY Shropshire will welcome its only participant from Whitchurch in the competition happening in aid of Hope House Children Hospice.

Chris Gittins, a photographer from Whitchurch, will be the only participant to represent the town, and he is more than thrilled to take part in the 'Strictly' themed charity event, organised by Dance HQ

Chris started ballroom dancing in 2019 for fun and exercise, with Dance HQ in Market Drayton, run by Ross Millar, who is also the organiser of Strictly Shropshire.

He attended the 2019 Strictly Shropshire not long after starting lessons and put his name down for the next one.

Chris said: " I want to take part because it's a good cause, and when I went to the original Strictly Shropshire in 2019, I said I would do the next one."

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For this, the competitors will receive seven lessons before the show, so they can perfect their Waltz, Cha Cha, Samba and other dances.

Chris already had his first lesson last week with his partner Jo Lawson, where they were taught the first steps of their Samba dance routine, by Ross.

"It was a good rehearsal, we got accustomed to the routine" he added " I am looking forward to the next steps."

Chris has had some experience with competitive dancing, as he won the UKA Blackpool competition a couple of weeks ago, alongside his partner Anastasiya.

He added: "When the competition was last held in 2019, a fantastic sum of £11,000 was raised for Hope House Hospice, and we are trying to raise even more this year, for this amazing charity.

"I recently visited the Hospice to see the amazing work and facilities at Hope House, and I was inspired by the work and dedication of the staff to keep supporting local families during the most unimaginable difficult times."

This is not the first time Chris has done charity work, he added: "My last venture into raising funds for charity was having my head shaved in 2020 when I raised £2000 for Ataxia UK, as my daughter suffers from this disabling condition."

The show night will take place on November 25, at the Lion Quays Luxury Hotel & Spa, Weston Rhyn, and it will start at 6.30pm, with tickets available on EventBrite.

Sponsor forms are available in the shop where Chris Works,Whitchurch Photography at 45 Grenn End, or you can support him on his Just Giving page on Facebook.