YOUNG people from two special schools rounded off a two-day dance workshop with a show for families and friends.

Charity Productions sponsored the event in Cockton Hill Methodist Church, Bishop Auckland, for youngsters from The Meadows, at Spennymoor, and Warwick Road, Bishop Auckland.

Roy Castle's widow Fiona, herself a former dancer, was guest speaker at a lunch last May which raised money for the group to hire teachers from the Royal Academy of Dance, in London.

Helen Brewer and Denise Lewin, from the academy's special needs faculty, also used the workshops to pass on their expertise to teachers from different schools around the region.

Sue Hewgill, chairwoman of Charity Productions, said: "The idea is that the teachers go out and share what they have learnt.

"The children thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and the improvement in them over the two days was fantastic. Dance helps their movement and concentration and helps them develop and learn in all sorts of ways."

Ms Brewer said: "There is a growing recognition that dance can benefit all people, even those who are seriously disadvantaged in some way.

"We are qualified dance teachers who do not see any reason why special needs children should not have the same opportunities as everybody else."

For information about Charity Productions, contact Ms Hewgill on (01325) 353017.