A MASSIVE fund-raising drive has been launched in a bid to see young dancers from Stratford and Bidford dance on Broadway.

The Mayor of Stratford, Juliet Short, has teamed up with Mary Felton, of the McCarthy-Felton School of Irish Dancing, to put on a spectacular show aimed at bringing in cash towards the youngsters appearance in a prestigious dance competition in London.

Performers from the Mayor's own dance studio, Mezzaforte, and the Irish dancing school high-stepped their way into the final of the Ultimate Dance Experience at the weekend.

Now, for the chance to appear on the Great White Way, the hopefuls have to get to London for the final and that costs thousands so, in a bid to raise the cash the schools have teamed up for a gala special - Hollywood Hopefuls in Stratford Civic Hall, on October 1.

The Ultimate Dance Experience is a hugely prestigious competition organised by Mardi Gras Promotions, in conjunction with Dancers Responding to Aids (DRA), a large American charity.

The winners of the finals, on October 28, can showcase their talents to the world at two special performances; the seniors at a show on Broadway in New York, while the juniors will appear at Disneyland Paris.

Mrs Felton said it was extraordinary two schools so close to one another should see both junior and senior teams reach the finals."The standard of competition was marvellous and there are schools from all over the country," she said.

Mrs Felton said transport, costumes and shoes for both schools cost thousands.

"Our Irish dance costumes cost around £250 without shoes and accessories and there is coach travel, it's an expensive business," she said. "We cannot do it without some help."

Can you help? Call Mrs Felton on 01789 778047.