A pair of Latin dancers are hoping to impress this year’s Dancing Strictly judges with their sparkly costumes and fancy footwork.

Ray Denny, 51, and Silvia Gamage, 24, will dance the pachanga in the grand final of the North London Hospice contest at Millfield Theatre in Edmonton.

All proceeds from the event will go to the hospice, which supports people with life-limiting illnesses.

Ray, a massage therapist, said: “I’ve been dancing on-and-off since 2008, so I’m giving it a good go. Our routine’s a bit tricky and some of the footwork and weight transfers are challenging.

“But, we’ll do our best and the main thing is to have fun. I like to make a difference through whatever I do, and this is great because I love to dance and I can raise some money for a good cause.”

The pair are planning to buy costumes emblazoned with sequins to catch the attention of the judging panel.

Silvia, a currency exchange consultant from Finchley Central, said: “Hopefully our performance will go well – I’m really excited but a little nervous.”

The pair will compete against eight couples in the final on Saturday, February 22.