Rutland Youth Dance Academy teacher hosts 24-hour danceathon in memory of cousin Sonny Ferry

A dance teacher is hosting a 24-hour danceathon to raise money for the York Rescue Boat.

Hayleigh Lockwood Twose planned the event in memory of her cousin Sonny Ferry who drowned in an accident last month.

His family hopes to raise £45,000 to buy a new lifeboat for the city.

The danceathon kicks off at 8am on Sunday, May 26 with classes running until midnight.

Hayleigh, a teacher with Rutland Youth Dance Academy, and her friend Leanne Murphy will then dance thorough the night and be rejoined by guests for the final hour at 7am on Monday.

The drop-in classes take place at Studio E in Princess Avenue, Oakham. Entry costs £5 per class or £25 for a day ticket to all sessions.

The timetable is: 8am - ready steady dance, 9am - pre school party for under 5s, 10am - kids street dance age 6+, 11am - cheerleading for all ages, 12pm - dance fit age 14+, 1pm - lunchtime limbo, 2pm - musical theatre, 3pm - contemporary dance, 4pm - adult street dance, 5pm - absolute 70s, 6pm - absolute 90s, 7pm - Hayleigh's heels, 8pm - guest performances, 9pm - club classics, 10pm - dancer drop in until midnight.

The organisers will then dance through the night. Supporters can arrive back at 7am for a fitness bootcamp before the challenge ends at 8am.

Proceeds will go to The Sunshine Campaign.