A north-east dancing event, based on a popular TV show, has raised more than £15,000 for a local dementia charity.
Strictly Come Prancing, which took place at Ardoe House Hotel, pitted 11 couples against each other for the tango in aid of the Forget Me Not Club.
The latter is based in Banchory and supports dementia sufferers and their families, with the amount raised on the night acclaimed as a record-breaking tally for the organisation.
Among the contestants was Aberdeenshire West and Kincardine MP, Stuart Donaldson, who donned his cowboy boots for a Wild West-themed dance with stage partner, Kay Minellas.
Mr Donaldson said his goal was to rival the performances of former Labour politician, Ed Balls, on TV’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The SNP MP added: “I was delighted to take part. It was great fun and I had a fantastic time rehearsing with Kay to try and perfect our jive dance routine.
“We got a mark of 37 out of 40 from the judges, so we must have done something right.
“But the real winners were the fantastic Forget Me Not charity who do wonderful things for those living with dementia and their families.
“This is a charity which I will continue to support as much as I can in the future.”
The contest was won by a Rocky Horror routine, with second place handed to one couple’s Absolutely Fabulous-themed efforts on the dancefloor.
Forget Me Not’s operations director, Heather Morrison, said: “All the prancers put their heart and soul into the event both with their dance routine and fundraising.
“All of the prancers were winners for Forget Me Not and we are very grateful for their effort and enthusiasm.”
The event will run again on March, 31 2018 at Ardoe House Hotel. Anyone who wishes to help or take part should contact 01330 822 655.
