A CHARITY hospice that cares for people in South Gloucestershire is set to award Bristol’s own Strictly Come Dancing champions as part of a fund-raising event.

The dancing competition has been held by St Peter’s Hospice to raise funds for the charity, and after eight weeks of professional dance training, 11 couples will take to the stage of the Anson Rooms in Clifton to secure the winning title.

The money raised will support the charity which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses, and relies heavily on gifts in wills, donations and funds generated by the hospice shops to provide free services to patients.

St Peter’s Hospice event fundraiser, Louisa James, said: “Things are really hotting up for the Strictly Come Dancing final.

“All of the couples are looking great and they’ve all come such a long way since the first week when they began their training with Sue and Andrew.

“They have been learning two routines, the American Smooth and the Samba and are slowly but surely becoming dancefloors stars.

“The event has been a huge success for the hospice; we ran it for the first time last year and to raise such a brilliant amount is very rewarding. We hope to raise even more with this year’s competition.

“The majority of the contestants have a personal reason for taking part in the event and some link to the hospice, which makes the evening even more special for them. We’re really looking forward to seeing them dazzle in front of friends and family.”

Last year’s competition, held on Sunday, March 2 raised £20,000 for the charity.

The 2015 final will see audience members voting for their favourite couple as well as a panel of celebrity judges including Alex Lovell from BBC Points West and Ian Axton from ITV Westcountry.

The event will be presented by Bristol’s very own Tess and Brucie – Alice Crocker and Ian Downs from Jack FM.

Guest judge Ian Axton said: "I was thrilled to be asked to be involved as St Peter's Hospice is such a good cause.  It's an inspirational place and I have the utmost admiration for the staff there who are so dedicated to helping people at such a difficult time in their lives.”

For more information about St Peter’s Hospice fundraising events visit www.stpetershospice.org.