SISTERS Ashleigh Cutmore and Hayley Robertson wowed a panel of judges to be crowned champions at a charity dance contest.

The duo, from Durham, danced their way to victory at a Strictly-inspired event held at The Lancastrian Suite, Gateshead in aid of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham.

Their dramatic pasodoble was performed to a mix of Beyoncé Run The World and The White Stripes Seven Nation Army.

The Northern Echo:

Finance assistant Hayley said: “We signed up to support St Cuthbert’s Hospice as we’ve both lost family and friends to cancer.

"Our Granda Ernie who had been battling cancer for a year, sadly passed away a couple of weeks into our training.

"It meant so much to us to be taking part in his memory.”

The Northern Echo:

Nine couples from the region competed in the event and received eight weeks free training from Applegarth Academy of Dance, West Cornforth, and Dudman Academy of Performing Arts, in Fenham, before Saturday night’s final.

Social worker Ashleigh said: “We were last to dance on the night so we were getting more and more nervous.

"I was so scared. At one point I was sat back stage just staring into space.

"It was always just a bit of fun and we didn’t ever think we would win. We just couldn’t believe it, I was still getting over the shock of scoring all tens from the judges and then when they announced we had won it was just amazing.”

The Northern Echo:

About 330 people attended the event, which has raised more than £22,000 for the charity.

Helen Smurthwaite, events coordinator, said: “This is the fifth year we have held this event and each year it just gets better and better. The couples have really given their all and we were so impressed by all who took part in the grand finale. Thank you to all who danced and all who helped to raise such a huge amount for St Cuthbert’s.”