Strictly Inverness junior dancers take to the floor

Zara Patience and Andrew Cullen winners of Junior Strictly Inverness

THE Strictly Inverness 2011 charity spectacular is under way with the first dancers taking to the floor last night (Thursday).

The three-day major fundraiser event, supported by the Highland News kicked off at the Inverness Ice Centre with nine junior couples tripping the light fantastic.

Winners of the debut junior event were 10-year-olds Andrew Cullen and Zara Patience who wowed the 500-strong audience with their waltz.

Zara attends Avoch primary School and Andrew goes to Balloch Primary.

Andrew had no dance experience before deciding to take part in Strictly Inverness whilst Zara attends the Elvet Ballet School in Dingwall and Stagecoach Theatre Arts in Inverness.

Strictly Inverness continues tonight (Friday) and Saturday with the adult contestants hoping to wow the crowds.

The extravaganza is held to raise money for the Highland Hospice and the Ice centre. Last year’s inaugural event raised a whopping £24,000 for the causes.

Zara and Andrew strut their stuff to success

Wendy Clark from the Highland Hospice: "Last night’s Junior Strictly competition was absolutely fantastic – we are delighted with how it went and are getting fabulous feedback today. Huge congratulations to Andrew and Zara, our winners.

"All of the competitors really impressed the audience with their standard of dancing, and they looked stunning. The performances from Stagecoach, Step ‘n’ Style and Toe 2 Toe dance schools were just incredible as an opener to the event, and the adult contestants may well have learned a thing or two which they can bring to their performances tonight and tomorrow!"

Watch out for news of who the adults winners are and make sure you pick up next week’s Highland News with a picture special of Strictly Inverness 2011.