Youngsters from across the south put on their dancing shoes and danced their socks off as they took to the stage for the Dance for Life competition.

The fancy footwork of dancers from Eastleigh College and Braishfield Primary School, Winchester, wowed judges at the west Hampshire heat as they danced their way into the final of the British Red Cross contest.

They beat off competition from more than 170 other performers at The Point Theatre in Eastleigh and now can look forward to the final in July.

Dance fever has swept across Hampshire, with more than 600 performers signed up to help raise money for vulnerable people here and abroad.

The event aims to overcome cultural, social and physical barriers through the power of dance while raising money for the British Red Cross.

The first heat held at The Point got the campaign off to a great start, entertaining an audience of more than 200 people and raising more than £1,600 for the charity.

Four other heats will take place in Fleet, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight and Andover before all the winners come together for the final at the Plaza Theatre in Romsey on July 7 and July 8.

Laura Deacon, fundraiser for the Red Cross, said: "The first event was a huge success and all the dancers were fantastic. I am glad I didn't have to pick a winner.

"The young performers are doing a great job of raising awareness of the work the Red Cross does not only overseas but at home in Hampshire and they are having fun at the same time."

If you would like to take part or go and support your local dance group tickets are available on 01962 866833.