A DANCE performance has raised more than £2,000 for cancer wards.

Bringing an international flavour, the Eurovision Dance Contest held at Hexham Mart last week saw schools and dance companies from across Tynedale take to the stage raising £2,501.2 for children and teenagers on the cancer wards at the RVI and Freeman hospitals in Newcastle.

The performance was organised by local teacher Karen Varty from Hexham, in collaboration with the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Hexham Priory School and St Joseph’s Middle School took part on the night along with dancers from Hexham based Studio K Dance and Splitz dance school.

Karen previously worked as a entertainment manager in Spain, where she put on annual dance performances to raise money for cancer charities.

“I decided to give something similar a try here,” she said. “It was a great success. We had a turnout of more than 300 people.

“Each number was inspired by a different country, including a flamenco performance from Spain, a Irish Riverdance and a special Makaton performance from Hexham Priory School.

“To save us dipping into the money we raised, we had support from local businesses and individuals who donated equipment and staging for the event. It was a real community venture.”