STAFF at a Redbridge school showed the youngsters how it's really done when they strutted their stuff during a special charity version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Performers of all abilities took to the dance floor at Wanstead High School to show off their skills in front of an enthusiastic audience at the end of the Christmas term.

Tracey Phillipson, performing arts co-ordinator at the school in Redbridge Lane West, said the event was memorable for everyone involved.

She said: "Michael Dance and Jeremy Latham from the English department compered the evening which saw members of the governors, PTA and staff judging their colleagues who had spent many an evening staying later after school rehearsing their moves.

"The audience of staff and students really enjoyed all the performances as they were treated to a mix of real skill and the odd novelty number.

"One pairing which stood out was Geography teacher Chris Walker and English teacher Kate Tennant-Hayes creating their own version of the Dawn French ballet sketch.

"Their technical skill was tested but overcome with grace and gorgeous costumes.

"The winners at the end of a really fun evening were Karen Kehoe, our school receptionist and Antony Yiacoumi, Head of Art, who showed everyone how to 'Shake a Tailfeather.'"

Mrs Kehoe and Mr Yiacoumi's prize was to chose which charity would receive the £700 raised during the evening.

Mrs Kehoe's share will go to Richard House children’s hospice, while Mr Yiacoumi chose Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Ms Phillipson praised Teresa Scully, Head of PE at the school, for organising the event.

She said: "(The sum raised) should increase once a DVD of the evening goes on sale to staff and students."

To make a donation to Richard House visit: richardhouse.org.uk or to Break Through visit: breakthrough.org.uk.