EVERY single place has been filled in a county-wide dance competition after almost 500 youngsters rushed to sign up.

Organisers of Dance for Life have been impressed by the enthusiasm for the contest, which takes place this spring.

The British Red Cross is holding the diversity-themed event to promote awareness of its work through the power of dance, as reported in the Daily Echo.

A series of four heats will be held across the county at venues including Winchester and Totton in the coming weeks.

Fundraiser Laura Deacon said: "Schools, dance groups and youth groups have jumped at the chance to take part in a county-wide event that embraces all genres of dance in one celebration.

"We have dances ranging from Irish and ballet through to urban funk and cheerleading, and dance schools are really getting creative with the diversity theme, not only with their routines, but with music, costumes and props."

Young performers from all over the county have entered the competition, including the Totton-based Dancescape group, pictured, who will perform at the Winchester heat.

The charity is inviting groups to choreograph routines from any dance genre but wants performances to reflect its Living Diversity Project, which aims to get people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences involved in the Red Cross.

"It really does mean we get to unite communities across Hampshire and also make people better informed about Red Cross services available to them, including medical loans, fire emergency support, therapeutic care, home from hospital, peer befriending and first aid training," added Miss Deacon.

Each group has been asked to do a fundraising activity in advance of the contest so they can learn more about the Red Cross.

One group from each of the four heats will go through to the grand final at the Plaza Theatre in Romsey on June 17.

To order advance tickets call 01962 866833.