THE world of TV glitz and glamour came to Hampshire as the county played host to a night of charity dancing in Hampshire.

Hundreds of people enjoyed Southampton Does Strictly, a night of music, dance and sparkling outfits.

Now organisers are counting the proceeds from the event, which are expected to be more than £10,000.

Romsey mum Heather Parsons hosted the annual gala event which saw 12 dancers, including Daily Echo reporter Ed Stilliard, showing off their moves in a 90-second routine at the Ageas Hilton in West End.

Dancers from professional schools across the area joined the brave amateurs as they helped to raise cash for Where There’s A Will, the charity Heather set up to support the families of patients who are in the intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital.

In 2002 the hospital miraculously saved Heather’s life after she was struck down with the flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis.

Since then she has raised tens of thousands of pounds and in 2011 she set up the good cause which has raised more than £30,000 to support other patients and their families so far.

The event saw 400 guests treated to a professional dance performance, a three-course meal with champagne and performances from the 12 members of the public who have been practicing for the last three months to perfect their moves.

Heather said: “It was just stunning, absolutely brilliant. All the dancers were amazing, it was just a perfect night.

"It was so lovely to be able to do this for the charity and for everyone on the intensive care ward after everything I have been through to get a chance to do this for them was just incredible and I am so bowled over by how hard people have worked to perform and support this charity, I’m so grateful.”

Professional dancers from BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing show Anya Garnis and Robin Windsor, pictured, performed a showcase routine on the night and were judging the members of the public on their performances.

Alex Knott also performed a solo ballet performance before the main event.

The winners of the dance competition were Romsey pilates instructor Alison Thompson, 54, and her partner Wayne Sparling from the DM Dance Academy Portswood, who performed a “chango” – a mix between a cha cha and a tango.

Phil Barnett from People’s Strictly contestant Kidz R Us and former contestant from Hampshire Harry Andreou also joined the judges panel while author Nigel May was the compere.

Daily Echo reporter Ed Stilliard, who performed an American smooth with his partner Kelly Prouton, said: “It was a really wonderful event.

"I personally enjoyed it very much and I’m so grateful to Heather for inviting me to take part.

“From where I was standing everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves, the energy from the audience got me through my dance and I had a fabulous time.

“Considering how nervous I was about taking part at the start I really enjoyed the dance and felt like I did quite well.”

The night also saw senior intensive care sister Linda Johnson rewarded for her 38 years of hard work at the life-saving unit before she retires with a surprise spin around the dance floor with Robin Windsor.