KEEP fit fanatics have a treat in store when the first ever outdoor zumbathon in South Gloucestershire takes place next month.

Two hours of zumba, the dance-come-exercise craze that has swept the nation in recent years, will be held at Pinker’s Game Farm on Latteridge Lane, Iron Acton on Sunday, July 6 (1.30-3.30pm) followed by an afternoon of entertainment.

The event will raise money for a children's clinic in Nepal, which treats over 100 children with the rare blood disorder Thalassemia. The clinic was set up by Wendy Pinker, whose family owns the farm, when she lived in Nepal several years ago.

Shocked by the lack of facilities on offer to locals and the state of government-run clinics, Wendy opened the clinic which offers free treatment for poor Nepalese families who would not otherwise be able to afford the fortnightly blood transfusions needed to keep their children alive. The clinic costs around £5,000 a year to run and Wendy sends the money back to the clinic each year from various fundraising events.

Yate-based zumba instruction Jodie Horton-Stanley, who is organising the zumbathon, said she hoped the event would raise enough money to run the clinic for an entire year.

She said: “After the success of our last charity event raising over £5,500 with our naked calendar for Bust (a breast cancer charity) and Survive (a domestic abuse charity) we were keen to get out teeth into the next event but keep our clothes on this time.

“We would love local people to come together, have a fun afternoon and ultimately raise lots of money for the clinic so Wendy can keep it open and running saving the lives of so many children who without it wouldn't have a chance. It makes you realise how lucky we are in the UK with our healthcare.”

She added: “Everyone is pulling together getting ready for the event and my zumba group are always so generous with their time and money which is a testament to our fundraising total standing at over £13,000 in the last few years alone.

“We would like this to be a family event and encourage everyone to attend even if they don't normally Zumba.”

Following the zumba, two live acts Ethemia and 60 Seconds and local dance groups Glitter Bugs and Odyssey will perform. There will also be face painting, a duck race on the Pinker’s farm lake, a raffle and a 60-foot obstacle course bouncy castle.

Participants and supporters will also be to enjoy a barbecue, bar and tea and cake hut. People are welcome to bring their own camp chairs and picnic blankets from 1pm.